Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 6 feet apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.
The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.
Source: World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms: | Less common symptoms: | Serious symptoms: |
---|---|---|
fever cough tiredness loss of taste or smell | sore throat headache aches and pains diarrhea rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes red or irritated eyes | Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion chest pain |
Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
Source: World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Download COVID-19 Decision Tree
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
- Get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Wear a properly fitted mask when in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
- Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.
- Find updated COVID-19 isolation requirements here. (11/7/2023).
Source: World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
How to Get an At-Home COVID-19 Test
- Order free tests at COVID.gov – Free at-home COVID-19 tests.
- Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. For a list of authorized tests visit FDA.gov.
- Visit a community testing site, if you’re not able to obtain a self-test when you need it.
Looking for a COVID-10 Vaccine Site?
- Visit the Vaccine Locator to find and schedule an appointment.
- Schedule your appointment and follow any clinic instructions.
- Need help? Call the hotline at 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #. Language assistance is available. You can also text your zip code to 438-829 (GET VAX) or 822-862 (VACUNA) for vaccine locations near you.