BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Coronavirus - 2019; Coronavirus - novel 2019; 2019 Novel coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, but many other symptoms can occur. COVID-19 is caused by a highly infectious virus. Most people get mild to moderate illness. Older adults and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for severe illness and death. More than one million people in the United States have died from COVID-19.Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can affect people and animals. They can cause mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses can cause severe illness that can lead to pneumonia and even death.CoronavirusesCoronaviruses are a family of viruses. Infection with these viruses generally causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common coldThe common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / COVID-19 most readily spreads to people within close contact (about 6 feet or 2 meters). When someone with the illness coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes, droplets and very small particles spray into the air. You can catch the illness if you breathe in these droplets or particles or they land on your eyes, nose, or mouth.In some instances, COVID-19 may spread through the air and infect people who are more than 6 feet away. Small droplets and particles can remain in the air for minutes to hours. This is called airborne (or aerosol) transmission, and it occurs especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. However, it is more common for COVID-19 to spread through close contact.Less often, the illness can spread if you touch a surface with the virus on it, and then touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or face. But this is thought to be a much less common way in which the virus spreads.COVID-19 can spread from person to person quickly. As the virus spreads, it can change, and new variants of the virus will occur. Different variants may spread more quickly or be more resistant to treatments or vaccines. Taking steps to slow the spread of the virus, such as by getting a COVID-19 vaccine, can help slow the development of new variants.While the United States Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended, COVID-19 is still a health concern, in particular for people at high risk of serious illness. Symptoms COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. Older people and people with certain existing health conditions have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death. Health conditions that increase this risk include: COVID-19 symptomsCOVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms m...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Asthma (if it's moderate or severe) Cancer COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary dis...Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dementia DementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects one or more brain functions such as memory, thinking, language, j...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Down syndrome or other disabilities Heart disease and stroke Heart diseaseCardiovascular disease is the broad term for problems with the heart and blood vessels. These problems are often due to atherosclerosis. This condi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HIV Kidney, lung, or liver disease KidneyChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LungLung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease:Airway diseases -...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver diseaseThe term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mental health conditions Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 kg per square meter or above) ObesityObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Physical inactivity Pregnancy Organ or stem cell transplantation Sickle cell disease or thalassemia Sickle cell diseaseSickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ThalassemiaThalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Smoking (current or former) Substance use disorders Substance use disordersSubstance use disorder occurs when a person's use of alcohol or another substance (drug) leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberculosis Weak immune system (immunocompromised)Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chills Cough CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue Muscle aches Headache Loss of sense of taste or smell Sore throat Stuffy or runny nose Nausea or vomiting DiarrheaThis is not a complete list of possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new variants of the virus.Some people may have no symptoms at all. Many people have some, but not all of these symptoms. Symptoms can also vary, depending on whether you are vaccinated and boosted.Symptoms may appear within 2 to 14 days after being exposed. Most often, symptoms appear around 5 days after exposure. However, you can spread the virus even when you do not have symptoms.More severe symptoms that require seeking medical help right away include:Trouble breathing Trouble breathingBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain or pressure that persists Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Confusion or inability to wake up Blue lips or face Any other symptoms that are severe or that concern you Exams and Tests If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can perform a self-test. Your health care provider also may decide to test you for the disease.Self-testNOTE: This page has content that may be inconsistent with new CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance. This is because the CDC has not updated their guidance...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you get tested for COVID-19, swabs from the back of the nose, the front of the nose, or the throat will be collected to test for SARS-CoV-2.Tested for COVID-19Testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 involves taking a mucus sample from your upper respiratory tract. This test is used to diagnose COVID-19....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment If you are recovering at home, supportive care is given to help relieve symptoms. People with severe illness will be treated in the hospital.The types of medicines given may vary depending upon how sick you are, your risk factors for serious illness from the disease, your age, and possibly what variant of the virus is causing the infection.If you test positive for COVID-19, your provider may recommend antiviral medicines.If given soon after you become infected (5 to 7 days, depending on the medicine), these medicines help your immune system fight off the virus. They may be given to adults and children with mild to moderate illness who are not hospitalized. These medicines include:Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid), an antiviral medicine, to help slow the virus. It is a pill you take at home. Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral medicine, to help slow the virus. This medicine is given through the vein (IV). You will need to go to a health care facility for 3 days in a row to receive this medicine. Molnupiravir (Lagevrio), an antiviral medicine used only for adults. It is a pill you take at home.If you are being cared for in the hospital and are receiving oxygen therapy, treatment for COVID-19 may include the following medicines:Remdesivir, an antiviral medicine, to help slow the virus. Dexamethasone, a steroid medicine, to help reduce an overactive immune response in the body. If dexamethasone is not available, you may be given another corticosteroid such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, or hydrocortisone. You may be given one or the other medicine or both medicines together. Baricitinib or tocilizumab to help reduce immune system activity, depending on your condition. Medicines for any complications from the disease. For example, you may be given blood thinners to help reduce the chance of blood clots, or you may have dialysis if your kidneys do not function properly.Based on available evidence, current treatment guidelines from the National Institutes of Health recommend against using some drugs for COVID-19, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin. Do not take any drugs to treat COVID-19 except those prescribed by your provider. Check with your provider before treating yourself or a loved one with vitamins, nutrients, or any medicines prescribed in the past for other health problems. Since some COVID-19 medicines have interactions with other medicines or supplements you may be taking, always check with your provider before starting them. Possible Complications Complications can include:Long COVID, which is defined by lasting COVID-19 symptoms that continue 4 weeks or longer after infection with the virus (post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection [PASC]) Long COVIDMost people who have COVID-19 recover completely. Some people continue to have health problems after having COVID-19. This is called long COVID. Lo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs Respiratory failure Death When to Contact a Medical Professional You should contact your provider:If you have symptoms and think you may have COVID-19 If you have COVID-19 and you are in a group for whom antiviral medicine may be given If you have COVID-19 and your symptoms are getting worseCall 911 or the local emergency number if you have:Trouble breathing Chest pain or pressure Confusion or inability to wake up Blue lips or face Any other symptoms that are severe or concern you Prevention You can take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:Protect yourself and others from COVID-...Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious disease, mainly of the respiratory system, affecting many people around the globe. It can cause mil...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccineCOVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2023-2024 u...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you have children, make sure they get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccineCOVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of it stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Stay at home and avoid contact with oth...Using antibiotics incorrectly can cause some bacteria to change or permit resistant bacteria to grow. These changes make bacteria stronger, so most ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wear a well-fitted face mask or respirator. Face mask or respiratorIn places where respiratory viruses are spreading, wearing a face mask in public helps protect other people from possible infection with viruses such...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Practice good hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands many times a day with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available. Wash your hands many times a dayWashing your hands often during the day is an important way to help reduce the spread of germs and prevent illness. Learn when you should wash your ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Take steps for cleaner air in your home. Open windows, use fans and portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners, and setting the fan on your furnace or air conditioning to "on."Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: COVID-19 treatments and medications. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html. Updated January 18, 2024. March 13, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html. Updated October 4, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Long COVID or post-COVID conditions. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html. Updated July 20, 2023. Accessed September 19, 2023.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Respiratory virus guidance. www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html. Updated March 1, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#children. Updated March 7, 2024. Accessed March 13, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Variants. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html. Updated February 6, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2024.National Institutes of Health. COVID-19 treatment guidelines. Clinical management of adults summary. www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/management/clinical-management-of-adults/clinical-management-of-adults-summary/. Updated February 29, 2024. Accessed March 13, 2024.AllVideoImagesTogVacation health careAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersVacation health care - Animation Planning ahead of time can make your travels smoother and help you avoid problems. Let's talk today about vacation health care. Always prepare in advance for health problems you might experience when you travel. Ask your health insurance carrier what they will cover or pay for, and consider buying traveler's insurance when you travel abroad. If your children are not traveling with you, leave a signed consent-to-treat form with their caretaker. And if you are taking medications, talk to your health care provider before leaving. Make sure you carry your medications in your carry-on bag, never in your luggage. Research the health care in the country you are visiting. And if you can, find out where you would go if you needed medical help. So, what should you pack? Well, you'll want to bring several important items on your trip. Pack a first aid kit, immunization records, insurance ID cards, and medical records for any chronic illnesses or recent medical surgery. Bring a list of the names and phone numbers of your pharmacist and health care providers. Pack any nonprescription medications you might need, along with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. So, what do you do on the road? When you travel, know what steps you need to take to prevent different diseases and infections. This includes how to avoid mosquito bites, what foods you can eat safely, where you can eat safely, how to drink water and other liquids, and proper hand washing. If you are visiting an area where traveler's diarrhea is common, know how to prevent and treat it. Be aware of automobile safety and use seat belts when you travel. Upon arriving at your destination, check the local emergency number. If you're traveling a long way, expect your body to adjust to a new time zone at about the rate of 1 hour per day. If you're traveling with children, make sure they know the name and telephone number of your hotel, just in case they get separated from you. Write this information down and put it in their pocket. Give them enough money to make a phone call, and make sure they know how to use phones if you are visiting a foreign country. As always, a little preparation goes a long way to preventing problems.COVID-19 - illustration Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a respiratory illness that ranges from mild symptoms to pneumonia or even death. Symptoms occur within 2 to 14 days from exposure to the virus and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of sense of taste or smell. COVID-19 may be more severe in people who are older or who have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.COVID-19illustrationCoronavirus - illustration Coronaviruses are a family of viruses. Infection with these viruses can cause mild to moderate respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses may cause severe illness and lead to pneumonia or even death.CoronavirusillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationUpper respiratory tract - illustration The major passages and structures of the upper respiratory tract include the nose or nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). The respiratory system is lined with a mucous membrane that secretes mucus. The mucus traps smaller particles like pollen or smoke. Hairlike structures called cilia line the mucous membrane and move the particles trapped in the mucus out of the nose. Inhaled air is moistened, warmed, and cleansed by the tissue that lines the nasal cavity.Upper respiratory tractillustrationLower respiratory tract - illustration The major passages and structures of the lower respiratory tract include the windpipe (trachea) and within the lungs, the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Deep in the lungs, each bronchus divides into secondary and tertiary bronchi, which continue to branch to smaller airways called the bronchioles. The bronchioles end in air sacs called the alveoli. Alveoli are bunched together into clusters to form alveolar sacs. Gas exchange occurs on the surface of each alveolus by a network of capillaries carrying blood that has come through veins from other parts of the body.Lower respiratory tractillustrationFace masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration Using face masks correctly in public settings helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These viruses spread to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the virus who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit snuggly across your cheeks helps reduce the spray of respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. Wearing a face mask may also protect you from infection.Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19illustrationHow to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration Wearing well-fitting face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. For masks to work, they have to be worn properly. Choose the most protective mask mask you can comfortable wear for an extended time that completely covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face, leaving no gaps. Do not wear a mask that is too loose on the sides. Do not pull the mask low on your nose, below your nose, or below your mouth or chin. Do not leave your chin or your mouth exposed or dangle the mask from one ear. Do not wear the mask in any other way that does not entirely cover your mouth and nose. Wash your hands before and after wearing the mask and use only the loops of the mask to put it on and take it off. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it. If you use a cloth mask, wash it and dry it daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19illustrationCOVID-19 vaccine - illustration COVID-19 vaccines protect people from getting COVID-19. The vaccine works with your body’s immune system against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. While COVID-19 vaccines will not make you sick, they may cause certain side effects and flu-like symptoms. This is to be expected. These symptoms may be a sign that your body is making antibodies against the virus. COVID-19 vaccines not only protect against infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they can help protect against serious illness from COVID-19.COVID-19 vaccineillustrationVacation health careAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersVacation health care - Animation Planning ahead of time can make your travels smoother and help you avoid problems. Let's talk today about vacation health care. Always prepare in advance for health problems you might experience when you travel. Ask your health insurance carrier what they will cover or pay for, and consider buying traveler's insurance when you travel abroad. If your children are not traveling with you, leave a signed consent-to-treat form with their caretaker. And if you are taking medications, talk to your health care provider before leaving. Make sure you carry your medications in your carry-on bag, never in your luggage. Research the health care in the country you are visiting. And if you can, find out where you would go if you needed medical help. So, what should you pack? Well, you'll want to bring several important items on your trip. Pack a first aid kit, immunization records, insurance ID cards, and medical records for any chronic illnesses or recent medical surgery. Bring a list of the names and phone numbers of your pharmacist and health care providers. Pack any nonprescription medications you might need, along with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. So, what do you do on the road? When you travel, know what steps you need to take to prevent different diseases and infections. This includes how to avoid mosquito bites, what foods you can eat safely, where you can eat safely, how to drink water and other liquids, and proper hand washing. If you are visiting an area where traveler's diarrhea is common, know how to prevent and treat it. Be aware of automobile safety and use seat belts when you travel. Upon arriving at your destination, check the local emergency number. If you're traveling a long way, expect your body to adjust to a new time zone at about the rate of 1 hour per day. If you're traveling with children, make sure they know the name and telephone number of your hotel, just in case they get separated from you. Write this information down and put it in their pocket. Give them enough money to make a phone call, and make sure they know how to use phones if you are visiting a foreign country. As always, a little preparation goes a long way to preventing problems.COVID-19 - illustration Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a respiratory illness that ranges from mild symptoms to pneumonia or even death. Symptoms occur within 2 to 14 days from exposure to the virus and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of sense of taste or smell. COVID-19 may be more severe in people who are older or who have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.COVID-19illustrationCoronavirus - illustration Coronaviruses are a family of viruses. Infection with these viruses can cause mild to moderate respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses may cause severe illness and lead to pneumonia or even death.CoronavirusillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationUpper respiratory tract - illustration The major passages and structures of the upper respiratory tract include the nose or nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). The respiratory system is lined with a mucous membrane that secretes mucus. The mucus traps smaller particles like pollen or smoke. Hairlike structures called cilia line the mucous membrane and move the particles trapped in the mucus out of the nose. Inhaled air is moistened, warmed, and cleansed by the tissue that lines the nasal cavity.Upper respiratory tractillustrationLower respiratory tract - illustration The major passages and structures of the lower respiratory tract include the windpipe (trachea) and within the lungs, the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Deep in the lungs, each bronchus divides into secondary and tertiary bronchi, which continue to branch to smaller airways called the bronchioles. The bronchioles end in air sacs called the alveoli. Alveoli are bunched together into clusters to form alveolar sacs. Gas exchange occurs on the surface of each alveolus by a network of capillaries carrying blood that has come through veins from other parts of the body.Lower respiratory tractillustrationFace masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration Using face masks correctly in public settings helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These viruses spread to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the virus who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit snuggly across your cheeks helps reduce the spray of respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. Wearing a face mask may also protect you from infection.Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19illustrationHow to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration Wearing well-fitting face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. For masks to work, they have to be worn properly. Choose the most protective mask mask you can comfortable wear for an extended time that completely covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face, leaving no gaps. Do not wear a mask that is too loose on the sides. Do not pull the mask low on your nose, below your nose, or below your mouth or chin. Do not leave your chin or your mouth exposed or dangle the mask from one ear. Do not wear the mask in any other way that does not entirely cover your mouth and nose. Wash your hands before and after wearing the mask and use only the loops of the mask to put it on and take it off. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it. If you use a cloth mask, wash it and dry it daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19illustrationCOVID-19 vaccine - illustration COVID-19 vaccines protect people from getting COVID-19. The vaccine works with your body’s immune system against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. While COVID-19 vaccines will not make you sick, they may cause certain side effects and flu-like symptoms. This is to be expected. These symptoms may be a sign that your body is making antibodies against the virus. COVID-19 vaccines not only protect against infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they can help protect against serious illness from COVID-19.COVID-19 vaccineillustrationSelf Care Self-testing for COVID-19Related Information Coronavirus(Condition) Review Date: 2/22/2023 Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 03/13/2024. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Coronavirus - 2019; Coronavirus - novel 2019; 2019 Novel coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, but many other symptoms can occur. COVID-19 is caused by a highly infectious virus. Most people get mild to moderate illness. Older adults and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for severe illness and death. More than one million people in the United States have died from COVID-19.Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can affect people and animals. They can cause mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses can cause severe illness that can lead to pneumonia and even death.CoronavirusesCoronaviruses are a family of viruses. Infection with these viruses generally causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common coldThe common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / COVID-19 most readily spreads to people within close contact (about 6 feet or 2 meters). When someone with the illness coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes, droplets and very small particles spray into the air. You can catch the illness if you breathe in these droplets or particles or they land on your eyes, nose, or mouth.In some instances, COVID-19 may spread through the air and infect people who are more than 6 feet away. Small droplets and particles can remain in the air for minutes to hours. This is called airborne (or aerosol) transmission, and it occurs especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. However, it is more common for COVID-19 to spread through close contact.Less often, the illness can spread if you touch a surface with the virus on it, and then touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or face. But this is thought to be a much less common way in which the virus spreads.COVID-19 can spread from person to person quickly. As the virus spreads, it can change, and new variants of the virus will occur. Different variants may spread more quickly or be more resistant to treatments or vaccines. Taking steps to slow the spread of the virus, such as by getting a COVID-19 vaccine, can help slow the development of new variants.While the United States Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended, COVID-19 is still a health concern, in particular for people at high risk of serious illness. Symptoms COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. Older people and people with certain existing health conditions have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death. Health conditions that increase this risk include: COVID-19 symptomsCOVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms m...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Asthma (if it's moderate or severe) Cancer COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary dis...Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dementia DementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects one or more brain functions such as memory, thinking, language, j...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Down syndrome or other disabilities Heart disease and stroke Heart diseaseCardiovascular disease is the broad term for problems with the heart and blood vessels. These problems are often due to atherosclerosis. This condi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HIV Kidney, lung, or liver disease KidneyChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LungLung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease:Airway diseases -...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver diseaseThe term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mental health conditions Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 kg per square meter or above) ObesityObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Physical inactivity Pregnancy Organ or stem cell transplantation Sickle cell disease or thalassemia Sickle cell diseaseSickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ThalassemiaThalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Smoking (current or former) Substance use disorders Substance use disordersSubstance use disorder occurs when a person's use of alcohol or another substance (drug) leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberculosis Weak immune system (immunocompromised)Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chills Cough CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue Muscle aches Headache Loss of sense of taste or smell Sore throat Stuffy or runny nose Nausea or vomiting DiarrheaThis is not a complete list of possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new variants of the virus.Some people may have no symptoms at all. Many people have some, but not all of these symptoms. Symptoms can also vary, depending on whether you are vaccinated and boosted.Symptoms may appear within 2 to 14 days after being exposed. Most often, symptoms appear around 5 days after exposure. However, you can spread the virus even when you do not have symptoms.More severe symptoms that require seeking medical help right away include:Trouble breathing Trouble breathingBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain or pressure that persists Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Confusion or inability to wake up Blue lips or face Any other symptoms that are severe or that concern you Exams and Tests If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can perform a self-test. Your health care provider also may decide to test you for the disease.Self-testNOTE: This page has content that may be inconsistent with new CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance. This is because the CDC has not updated their guidance...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you get tested for COVID-19, swabs from the back of the nose, the front of the nose, or the throat will be collected to test for SARS-CoV-2.Tested for COVID-19Testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 involves taking a mucus sample from your upper respiratory tract. This test is used to diagnose COVID-19....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment If you are recovering at home, supportive care is given to help relieve symptoms. People with severe illness will be treated in the hospital.The types of medicines given may vary depending upon how sick you are, your risk factors for serious illness from the disease, your age, and possibly what variant of the virus is causing the infection.If you test positive for COVID-19, your provider may recommend antiviral medicines.If given soon after you become infected (5 to 7 days, depending on the medicine), these medicines help your immune system fight off the virus. They may be given to adults and children with mild to moderate illness who are not hospitalized. These medicines include:Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid), an antiviral medicine, to help slow the virus. It is a pill you take at home. Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral medicine, to help slow the virus. This medicine is given through the vein (IV). You will need to go to a health care facility for 3 days in a row to receive this medicine. Molnupiravir (Lagevrio), an antiviral medicine used only for adults. It is a pill you take at home.If you are being cared for in the hospital and are receiving oxygen therapy, treatment for COVID-19 may include the following medicines:Remdesivir, an antiviral medicine, to help slow the virus. Dexamethasone, a steroid medicine, to help reduce an overactive immune response in the body. If dexamethasone is not available, you may be given another corticosteroid such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, or hydrocortisone. You may be given one or the other medicine or both medicines together. Baricitinib or tocilizumab to help reduce immune system activity, depending on your condition. Medicines for any complications from the disease. For example, you may be given blood thinners to help reduce the chance of blood clots, or you may have dialysis if your kidneys do not function properly.Based on available evidence, current treatment guidelines from the National Institutes of Health recommend against using some drugs for COVID-19, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin. Do not take any drugs to treat COVID-19 except those prescribed by your provider. Check with your provider before treating yourself or a loved one with vitamins, nutrients, or any medicines prescribed in the past for other health problems. Since some COVID-19 medicines have interactions with other medicines or supplements you may be taking, always check with your provider before starting them. Possible Complications Complications can include:Long COVID, which is defined by lasting COVID-19 symptoms that continue 4 weeks or longer after infection with the virus (post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection [PASC]) Long COVIDMost people who have COVID-19 recover completely. Some people continue to have health problems after having COVID-19. This is called long COVID. Lo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs Respiratory failure Death When to Contact a Medical Professional You should contact your provider:If you have symptoms and think you may have COVID-19 If you have COVID-19 and you are in a group for whom antiviral medicine may be given If you have COVID-19 and your symptoms are getting worseCall 911 or the local emergency number if you have:Trouble breathing Chest pain or pressure Confusion or inability to wake up Blue lips or face Any other symptoms that are severe or concern you Prevention You can take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:Protect yourself and others from COVID-...Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious disease, mainly of the respiratory system, affecting many people around the globe. It can cause mil...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccineCOVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2023-2024 u...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you have children, make sure they get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccineCOVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of it stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Stay at home and avoid contact with oth...Using antibiotics incorrectly can cause some bacteria to change or permit resistant bacteria to grow. These changes make bacteria stronger, so most ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wear a well-fitted face mask or respirator. Face mask or respiratorIn places where respiratory viruses are spreading, wearing a face mask in public helps protect other people from possible infection with viruses such...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Practice good hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands many times a day with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available. Wash your hands many times a dayWashing your hands often during the day is an important way to help reduce the spread of germs and prevent illness. Learn when you should wash your ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Take steps for cleaner air in your home. Open windows, use fans and portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners, and setting the fan on your furnace or air conditioning to "on."Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: COVID-19 treatments and medications. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html. Updated January 18, 2024. March 13, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html. Updated October 4, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Long COVID or post-COVID conditions. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html. Updated July 20, 2023. Accessed September 19, 2023.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Respiratory virus guidance. www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html. Updated March 1, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#children. Updated March 7, 2024. Accessed March 13, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Variants. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html. Updated February 6, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2024.National Institutes of Health. COVID-19 treatment guidelines. Clinical management of adults summary. www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/management/clinical-management-of-adults/clinical-management-of-adults-summary/. Updated February 29, 2024. Accessed March 13, 2024.