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What Should I Know About COVID-19

Written by FHR Research Team | Aug 3, 2022 7:07:35 PM

 

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is very contagious and has quickly spread around the world.

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia.  However, COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system.  


What Are The Symptoms of COVID-19

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. The following list includes possible symptoms of COVID-19, but this list does not include all symptoms of the illness: 

  • 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

What is the Incubation Period for COVID-19

The incubation period is the length of time between when you become infected and when you begin to experience symptoms.

The average incubation period is estimated to be about 5 days, and about 98% of those who develop symptoms will do so within rough 12 days of infection. 

How Does Covid-19 Spread?

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

  • Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
  • Having small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
  • Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

How Can I Prevent Catching COVID-19

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible. If you are not up to date on vaccines or you are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, stay at least 6 feet away from others.  

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  
  • Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly.  This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.  
  • Everyone ages 2 years and older should wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public areas where the COVID-19 community level is high, regardless of vaccination status.  
  • The COVID-19 vaccine can prevent you from getting sick and is highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. 

How Can I Treat COVID-19

Certain antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies have been authorized 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.

  • Monoclonal Antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus.

REFERENCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19.html

Lauer, S.A,, Grantz, K.H., Bi, Q., Jones, F.K., Zheng, Q., Meredith, H.R., Azman, A.S., Reich, N.G., & Lessler, J. (2020). The Incubation Period of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) From Publicly Reported Confirmed Cases: Estimation and Application
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