What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, which is a large group of infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections. The virus can cause coughing, fever, shortness of breath and other symptoms. It is very contagious and can spread from one person to another rapidly.
Most people have mild or moderate symptoms. However, people with existing health conditions may be at a higher risk of serious complications. More than a million people have died of COVID-19 in the United States, while tens of thousands are hospitalized each year.
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors for complications, such as being older than age 50, having other chronic health issues (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) or a compromised immune system.
You should also see a doctor immediately or seek emergency care if these symptoms occur:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from one person to another. You may have no symptoms or very mild ones, or symptoms could be severe. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, such as the cold or flu, and may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Chills
- Congestion
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches and pain
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of smell or taste
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
How long does COVID-19 last?
Most people feel better within a few weeks, but some people experience symptoms that last much longer. According to the CDC, Long COVID is a condition that occurs after a COVID-19 infection and lasts for at least three months.
What causes COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a type of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which is short for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads through droplets or small particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. You can get COVID-19 if you breathe in these droplets and particles when you are close to an infected person.
Less frequently, COVID-19 can spread through droplets on surfaces you touch, such as a door handle or elevator button. The virus can then get into your body if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
What is the incubation period for COVID-19?
It typically takes between two and 14 days for symptoms to develop after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. On average, symptoms start five to six days after exposure.
How long is COVID-19 contagious?
COVID-19 can be contagious from one to two days before and up to eight to 10 days after symptoms begin. You may still be contagious even if you do not have symptoms or have previously had COVID-19. You can also pass it on if you have had the vaccine.
When did COVID-19 start?
The COVID-19 timeline began in late 2019, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged in China. It caused pneumonia-type symptoms that did not respond to existing treatments. The virus then rapidly spread around the world.
The first cases were diagnosed in the United States in January 2020. In March 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Is COVID-19 still around?
While COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency, it continues to make people seriously ill in the United States and worldwide. Millions of Americans get sick with COVID-19 each year, with many requiring hospitalization.
COVID-19 risk factors
COVID-19 can affect anyone at any age. It is a very contagious illness that spreads easily from person to person. However, certain factors can increase your risk for severe illness or developing serious complications.
Fortunately, for many people with these risk factors, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent infection and may lower the risk of complications if someone gets sick.
How does COVID-19 affect the body?
COVID-19 typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, which usually go away within a few weeks. It can also affect other parts of your body and cause long-term complications. In severe cases, COVID-19 can be fatal. Getting an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination may reduce your risk of serious illness.
Complications may include:
- Brain and nervous system problems: Some people experience “brain fog” (difficulty concentrating or thinking) or numbness or tingling in their arms and legs.
- Damage to your heart and blood vessels: COVID-19 can increase your chance of heart problems, such as inflammation and an irregular heartbeat.
- Eye problems: A few people who have COVID-19 develop eye problems, which may be linked to inflammation.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: The virus may remain in your gastrointestinal tract for weeks or months, causing diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
- Kidney problems: Kidney issues have been linked to COVID-19 infections.
- Respiratory failure: This is the most common cause of death among people with COVID-19.
- Skin conditions: Rarely, people can develop rashes when they have COVID-19 or in the weeks or months afterward.
Diagnosing COVID-19
COVID-19 is diagnosed through tests that can detect the virus using a nasal swab or a sample of saliva taken from your mouth. You can buy home tests from your pharmacy, or you can get tested at a medical center, hospital or pharmacy.
These tests are the most reliable way to determine if you are sick. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of many other respiratory viruses, so it’s hard to know if you have it based on symptoms alone.
How to treat COVID-19
Many mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 may be safely managed at home. Your symptoms will usually go away on their own with rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter medicines if needed. COVID-19 that becomes severe or develops in people with certain risk factors may require prescription medications. In very serious cases, the illness requires oxygen therapy or being placed on a ventilator.
Is there a cure for COVID-19?
There is no cure for COVID-19. Antiviral medicines may slow the virus and prevent severe illness or death, but there is always a chance they may not fully treat the infection.
Currently, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine offers the most effective protection against illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it for anyone age 65 and older and people at high risk of serious infection. Other groups, such as people who never received the vaccine, also benefit.
Locations for COVID-19 care
You can receive care and advice for preventing COVID-19 at our primary care clinics, urgent care clinics and specialty centers throughout North and Central Texas. Your provider can also help you decide if the COVID-19 vaccination is right for you.
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