Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus Disease 2019, commonly known as COVID-19 or COVID, is a disease caused by a coronavirus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 were first identified in the Wuhan Province in China in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread around the world, causing a pandemic and hundreds of millions of infections.

Who gets COVID-19?

The virus that causes COVID-19 can be very contagious. Anyone who is exposed to the virus can become ill. People at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness include:

• Older adults – age is the most important risk factor for severe COVID-19.
• People with a weakened immune system.
• People with underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and many more.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes or coughs out droplets or small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and become infected. If these droplets land on a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, they can also lead to infection. Sometimes, these droplets can contaminate surfaces and people can then become infected by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching contaminated surfaces, though this is not believed to be a major route of transmission.

Anyone with COVID-19 can spread the illness, even if they do not have symptoms.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection?

People with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all or can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. In severe cases, COVID-19 can result in hospitalization or death. The more common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell (or a new change in taste or smell)
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you develop emergency symptoms or signs of COVID-19, seek medical care immediately. Some of these emergency symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue

How soon after exposure do symptoms occur?

Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure.

How are COVID-19 infections diagnosed?

Respiratory samples from a person can be readily tested for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Some tests, called antigen tests, are available over the counter and can be performed at home. These tests provide results within a few minutes. Other tests are available through a healthcare provider. If you have questions about COVID-19 testing, you can talk with your healthcare provider.

What treatments are available for COVID-19?

Most people with COVID-19 can manage their illness at home. While you are sick, it is important to get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and use over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed for fever and pain.

Prescription antiviral medications are available for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. These medications can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. People with COVID-19 who are more likely to get very sick should contact a healthcare provider right away, even if their symptoms are mild at first. Antiviral treatments work best when they are started within the first few days of illness.

Should people who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 be tested and treated?

Contacts of people with COVID-19 can consider getting tested if they are concerned about spreading the illness to others, especially those at higher risk for severe illness. Generally, people who are not sick do not need treatment.

How can COVID-19 infection be prevented?

There are actions to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

• Stay up to date on recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
• Stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading the virus to others. You can return to normal activities when, after 24 hours, the following are both true:
  • Your symptoms have improved overall, AND
  • You have no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
• Take steps for cleaner air. This can include opening a window to let in fresh air and maintaining central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Practice good hygiene.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If water is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

How can I get more information about COVID-19?

• If you have concerns about COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.
• Contact your local health department at vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator/.
• Visit the VDH COVID-19 webpage at vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.
• Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage cdc.gov/covid/index.html.

Translations

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fact Sheet in Arabic

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fact Sheet in Ukrainian