COVID-19 Pandemic: What You Need To Know

About COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (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. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more at risk for serious illness.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that have been reported include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, and a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes.

How COVID-19 Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread mainly through close contact with an infected person. When someone who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets are released into the air. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.