Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1 meter apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

Symptoms:

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

• fever
• cough
• tiredness
• Loss of taste or smell.

Less common symptoms:

• sore throat
• headache
• aches and pains
• diarrhea
• a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
• Red or irritated eyes.

Serious symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
• Chest pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.  Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

Treatment:

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:

• Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.
• Stay at least 1 metre apart from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick.
• Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible or when in poorly ventilated settings.
• Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.

The FDA has authorized antiviral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick.

• Antiviral treatments target specific parts of the virus to stop it from multiplying in the body, helping to prevent severe illness and death.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines for healthcare providers to help them work with their patients and determine the best treatment options for them. Several options are available for treating COVID-19. They include:

Treatment	Who	When	How
Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid) Antiviral	Adults; children ages 12 years and older	Start as soon as possible; must begin within 5 days of when symptoms start	Taken at home by mouth (orally)
Remdesivir (Veklury) Antiviral	Adults and children	Start as soon as possible; must begin within 7 days of when symptoms start	Intravenous (IV) infusions at a healthcare facility for 3 consecutive days
Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) Antiviral	Adults	Start as soon as possible; must begin within 5 days of when symptoms start	Taken at home by mouth (orally)

            

 

Some treatments might have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking. Ask a healthcare provider if medications to treat COVID-19 are right for you. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, visit a Test to Treat location or contact your local community health center or health department.

If you are hospitalized, your healthcare provider might use other types of treatments, depending on how sick you are. These could include medications to treat the virus, reduce an overactive immune response, or treat COVID-19 complications.

Convalescent Plasma

Some people with COVID-19 who are immune compromised, or are receiving immunosuppressive treatment may benefit from a treatment called convalescent plasma. Your healthcare provider can help decide whether this treatment is right for you.