People who feel unwell should try to avoid others. This helps stop the spread of the virus. The more contact people have with an infected person, the faster a virus spreads. Discover more in Staying Safe from Viruses, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

A virus is a type of germ so small that it can only be seen with a microscope. Viruses were discovered in the late 1880s. Discover more in What Is a Virus?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

Viruses are contagious. They can be passed from person to person. They can also be passed to a person by an animal. Discover more in How Does a Virus Spread?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

A pandemic develops when a disease spreads across a country, continent, or around the world. Discover more in What Is a Pandemic?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

Education is one the best ways to stop an epidemic. People cannot help stop the spread of a virus if they do not know what to do and why it matters. Discover more in What Is an Epidemic?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.