Coronavirus (COVID–19)

From the CDC:

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective.

From the CDC:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include (from the CDC):

• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a mask.
• Maintain a minimum of 3 feet of physical distance from others.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often.
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• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Monitor your health daily.
• Isolate when you are sick.