Overview
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pandemic has led to significant global health and economic impacts. While COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, understanding the virus and how to protect yourself is key to managing the risk.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Prevention
Key prevention measures include staying up-to-date with vaccines and boosters, wearing a mask in high-risk settings, practicing good hand hygiene, and improving ventilation in indoor spaces.
Treatment
Mild cases can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Antiviral treatments (like Paxlovid) are available for people at high risk of severe disease. People with severe symptoms may need hospitalization, including oxygen therapy or intensive care.
Latest Updates
The virus continues to evolve, with new variants emerging. Vaccines are being updated to target new strains. Monitoring public health guidelines and staying up-to-date on booster recommendations is essential.