What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is a virus that causes illness. COVID-19 affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body. People who get COVID-19 may feel fine and not know they have the virus. Others will be sick like having the flu. Some people with COVID-19 are very sick, and some will die from the virus.

How is COVID-19 spread from one person to another?

COVID-19 is mostly spread by close contact with someone who has the virus. COVID-19 is passed by droplets from the mouth or nose. When a person who has COVID-19 breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes, the virus goes into the air. If you breathe in the virus or the droplets come in contact with your eyes, you can get COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are cough, fever or chills, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The virus may also cause fatigue (being tired), muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of smell or taste, congestion (stuffy nose), runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. People usually start to feel sick within 2 to 5 days after getting the virus. It can take up to 14 days after being exposed (around a person who has COVID-19) before you feel sick.

How can I keep myself and other people from getting COVID-19? Get a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep from getting the virus. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when you are around other people. If you are not in a place where you know everyone is vaccinated, stay at least 6 feet away from other people especially if you are indoors. This is called social distancing. Avoid being in crowded spaces indoors. Stay at home and stay away from other people if you feel sick. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds (as long as singing the ABCs song). You can use cold or hot water. Always wash your hands before you eat and before you touch your face. If you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. How good are the COVID-19 vaccines at protecting me from COVID-19?

People who get a COVID-19 vaccine are very unlikely to get really sick or die from having COVID-19. If you are exposed to COVID-19 after you have the vaccine, there is a chance you could still get the virus. This is called a breakthrough infection. If that happens, you may feel fine or you might feel like you have a cold or the flu. You can pass the virus to other people if you have a breakthrough infection so you will need to wear a mask for up to 14 days if that happens. The COVID-19 vaccines have been given to millions of people safely.

When should I get tested for COVID-19? Get tested for COVID-19 if you: Have symptoms of COVID-19. Have been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If you are not vaccinated, get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. Stay home (quarantine) for 14 days. Try to stay away from the people you live with if you can. If your first test is negative, get a second test 5 to 7 days after you were exposed or right away if you have COVID-19 symptoms. If you are vaccinated, get a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you were with the person who has COVID-19. Wear a mask if you are around other people for 14 days or until you get a negative test result. Have been asked by a health care provider to be tested. Need a COVID-19 test to return to work or travel. What should I do if I have a positive COVID-19 test?

Tell your health care provider that you had a positive test. Also tell everyone you have been in close contact with since a few days before you started having symptoms, or a few days before your positive test if you don't have symptoms. Stay at home and away from other people. Only leave if you need medical care. Wear a mask if you need to leave the house.

Most people will get better at home with no problems. Talk with your health care provider or a pharmacist about medicines to treat your symptoms. Drink lots of fluids and rest often. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often.

If you live with other people or pets, stay away from them as much as possible. If you need to be around them, wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Everyone should wash their hands and clean surfaces often.

If I have COVID-19, when should I call my health care provider or get emergency medical care? Call your health care provider if you are feeling worse. Get emergency medical care if you: Are having a hard time breathing or feel like you cannot catch your breath. Have pain or pressure in your chest that won't go away or is getting worse. Have new confusion (are not able to think well). Are not able to stay awake. Have blue lips or your face is blue.

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 5.9

Approved August 2021. This handout replaces “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)” published in Volume 65, Number 6, November/December 2020.

This handout may be reproduced for noncommercial use by health care professionals to share with patients, but modifications to the handout are not permitted. The information and recommendations in this handout are not a substitute for health care. Consult your health care provider for information specific to you and your health.