COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, runny nose, congestion, and loss of taste or smell. In severe cases, the disease can cause extreme respiratory distress. Seek medical help immediately if you have trouble breathing, confusion, persistent pain in the chest, or feel unable to stay awake.

For mild cases, most people can remain at home and treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medication. People at higher risk of severe symptoms can be prescribed antiviral medications.

Common Questions & Answers

What should I do if I have COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19, you can take over-the-counter medications to help with a fever and other viral symptoms while resting at home. If you’re at high risk of severe symptoms, you may be prescribed an antiviral medication or convalescent plasma.

A cold and COVID-19 can have very similar symptoms, including a cough and body aches. The best way to tell them apart is to take a COVID-19 test either at home or at a physician’s office.

Most people with mild to moderate COVID-19 will recover in about one to two weeks or sooner. Some people will develop long-COVID after the initial infection. Long COVID symptoms include brain fog and fatigue that can last for months or years.

If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s a good idea to stay at home, isolated from other people, until your symptoms improve. If you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, you’re much less likely to be contagious.

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Resources
  1. Symptoms of COVID-19. CDC. June 25, 2024.
  2. Types of COVID-19 Treatment. CDC. December 20, 2024.

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