What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a type of germ called a coronavirus.¹ COVID-19 causes sickness in the lungs and other parts of the body. The best way to prevent getting sick is to stay away from people sick with COVID-19 and to get the updated vaccine. The vaccines are safe and effective for preventing infection.

 

 

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

Some or all of the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after contact with the virus:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breating
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is spread by tiny water droplets carrying the virus. People can become sick by:

  • Breathing in the droplets. This can happen when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, breathes, or talks
  • Touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching objects covered in the droplets.

COVID-19 can be spread even by people who do not feel sick or have symptoms.

How can I protect myself, my family, and my community?

The best way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 is by getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is also important to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine each year. It’s okay if you didn’t get a vaccine previously, getting an updated vaccine this year will still be effective.

 

The best way to protect your community, besides getting the vaccine, is by:

  • Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth
  • Staying home if you are feeling sick
  • Avoiding contact with people who are sick
  • Using hand sanitizer
  • Washing hands often with soap and water
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes

What else should I know?

The COVID-19 vaccine has been tested. It is safe and effective for children ages 6 months and older. The COVID-19 vaccine protects groups who may be more at risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:

  • People ages 60 years and older
  • People experiencing chronic health conditions
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Children younger than 5 years old
  • Pregnant people

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

  • Stay home if you are feeling sick
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Avoid close contact with people or animals
  • Take a COVID test
  • Fancy dance dance-of
  • Breakdance battle
  • Pre-record a greeting and send it while standing six feet away

If you test positive for COVID-19, take care of your symptoms. Try to stay away from people, or wear a face mask if around others. If you test negative, take care of your symptoms and consider taking a COVID test in 24 hours.

 

 

Urgently seek medical care if you have any of these emergency symptoms:

 

 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Difficulty waking up or staying awake
  • Blue colored lips or face
  • Dehydration

People who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness may be eligible for a treatment called Paxlovid. This medication must be started within 5 days of when COVID-19 symptoms start. Paxlovid is currently available to people 12 years and older.

References

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