COVID-19: What to Know

COVID-19 is an infection caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. This type of virus is called a coronavirus. People with COVID-19 may:

Have few to no symptoms.
Have mild to moderate symptoms that affect their lungs and breathing.
Get very sick.

What are the causes?

The human body, showing how the coronavirus travels from the air to a person's lungs.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus. This virus may be in the air as droplets or on surfaces. It can spread from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe.

You may become infected if:

You breathe in the infected droplets in the air.
You touch an object that has the virus on it.

What increases the risk?

You are at risk of getting COVID-19 if you have been around someone with the infection. You may be more likely to get very sick if:

You are 65 years old or older.
You have certain medical conditions, such as:
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Long-term respiratory disease.
- Cancer.
- Pregnancy.
You are immunocompromised. This means your body can't fight infections easily.
You have a disability that makes it hard for you to move around, you have trouble moving, or you can't move at all.

What are the signs or symptoms?

People may have different symptoms from COVID-19. The symptoms can also be mild to very bad. They often show up in 5–6 days after being infected. But, they can take up to 14 days to appear. Common symptoms are:

Cough.
Feeling tired.
New loss of taste or smell.
Fever.

Less common symptoms are:

Sore throat.
Headache.
Body or muscle aches.
Diarrhea.
A skin rash or fingers or toes that are a different color than usual.
Red or irritated eyes.

Sometimes, COVID-19 does not cause symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

COVID-19 can be diagnosed with tests done in the lab or at home. Fluid from your nose, mouth, or lungs will be used to check for the virus.

How is this treated?

Treatment for COVID-19 depends on how sick you are.

Mild symptoms can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines.
very bad symptoms may be treated in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

If you have symptoms and are at risk of getting very sick, you may be given a medicine that fights viruses. This medicine is called an antiviral.

How is this prevented?

To protect yourself from COVID-19:

Know your risk factors.
Get vaccinated.
If your body can't fight infections easily, talk to your provider about treatment to help prevent COVID-19.
Stay at least about 3 feet (1 meter) away from other people.
Wear mask that fits well when:
- You can't stay at a distance from people.
- You're in a place with not a lot of air flow.
Try to be in open spaces with good air flow when you are in public.
Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

If you think you have COVID-19 or have been around someone who has it, stay home and away from other people as told by your provider or health officials.

Where to find more information

To learn more:

Go to cdc.gov
- Click "Health Topics."
- Type "COVID-19" in the search box.
Go to who.int
- Click "Health Topics." Then click "All Topics."
- Type "COVID-19" in the search box.

Get help right away if:

You have trouble breathing or get short of breath.
You have pain or pressure in your chest.
You're feeling confused.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Get help right away. Call 911.

Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.