COVID-19 VIRUS

Coronavirus, COVID-19 

Coronaviruses, like the new COVID-19 outbreak that began in China, cause mild to severe respiratory illness including death. COVID-19 has since spread worldwide. The best preventive measures include wearing a mask, staying six feet apart, washing hands often, avoiding sick people, keeping your hands away from your face and getting adequate rest and nutrition.

• Symptoms and Causes
 
• Diagnosis and Tests
 
• Management and Treatment
 
• Prevention

OVERVIEW

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans. They get their name, “corona,” from the many crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the common cold are examples of coronaviruses that cause illness in humans.

The new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus has since spread to all continents (except Antarctica)

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period. Common signs and symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness

Early symptoms of COVID-19 may include a loss of taste or smell.

Other symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

This list is not all inclusive. Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Some people may have only a few symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all. Some people may experience worsened symptoms, such as worsened shortness of breath and pneumonia, about a week after symptoms start.

People who are older have a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and the risk increases with age. People who have existing medical conditions also may have a higher risk of serious illness. Certain medical conditions that may increase the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 include:

• Serious heart diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
• Cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Overweight, obesity or severe obesity
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Chronic kidney disease
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Weakened immune system from solid organ transplant
• Chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis
• Liver disease
• Dementia
• Down syndromes
• If you have COVID-19 signs or symptoms or you've been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your doctor or clinic right away for medical advice. Tell your health care team about your symptoms and possible exposure before you go to your appointment.

If you have emergency COVID-19 signs and symptoms, seek care immediately. Emergency signs and symptoms can include:

Trouble breathing

Persistent chest pain or pressure

Inability to stay awake

New confusion

Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on skin tone

Causes

Infection with the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily among people, and more continues to be discovered over time about how it spreads. Data has shown that it spreads mainly from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth, nose or eyes of a person nearby.

In some situations, the COVID-19 virus can spread by a person being exposed to small droplets or aerosols that stay in the air for several minutes or hours — called airborne transmission. It's not yet known how common it is for the virus to spread this way.

It can also spread if a person touches a surface or object with the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes, but the risk is low.

Prevention

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to some COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. A vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19 or prevent you from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 if you get the COVID-19 virus.

You can take additional steps to reduce your risk of infection. WHO and CDC recommend following these precautions for avoiding exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Keep in mind some people may have COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if they don't have symptoms or don't know they have COVID-19.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor ventilation.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and outdoors where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as at a crowded event. Further mask guidance differs depending on whether you are fully vaccinated or unvaccinated. Surgical masks may be used if available. N95 respirators should be reserved for health care providers.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue. Wash your hands right away.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, towels, bedding and other household items if you're sick.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, daily.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick, unless you're going to get medical care. Avoid public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing if you're sick.
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