COVID-19, the coronavirus

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of COVID-19. Mild to severe respiratory illnesses, including mortality, can be brought on by COVID-19. The most effective preventive strategies involve getting vaccinated, donning a mask during periods of high transmission, separating yourself from others by 6 feet, washing your hands often, and avoiding ill people.

• What is the coronavirus?

There is a group of viruses called circoviruses that can make people sick with respiratory conditions. Due to the virus's surface being covered with spikes that resemble crowns, they go by the name "corona." Coronaviruses are known to infect humans and cause diseases including the common cold, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), among others.

In Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the novel coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 was first discovered. Since then, it has migrated to all nations on earth.

• Where do coronaviruses originate?

Bats, cats, and camels are frequently reported to have coronaviruses. The viruses exist but do not infect the animals. Sometimes, these viruses then spread to various animal species. As they spread to different species, viruses have the potential to change (mutate). The virus can eventually spread from animal to human species. The initial SARS-CoV-19 victims are believed to have acquired the virus at a grocery store that sold meat, fish, and live animals.

How may one obtain COVID-19?

The COVID-19 virus, known as SARS-CoV-2, enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes (directly from the airborne droplets or from the transfer of the virus from your hands to your face). The mucous membrane in the back of your throat and the rear of your nasal passages are the next places it goes. It binds to those cells, starts to grow, and then invades lung tissue. The virus can then spread to other bodily tissues from there.

• How can the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus travel from one person to another?

Most likely, coronavirus will spread:

When an infected individual is close to you and coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or breathes, the virus is spread through respiratory droplets released into the air. If you breathe in these droplets, you could become contaminated.

Coronavirus can also spread by handshaking or other close contact with an infected individual before touching your face.

• How long is the COVID-19 infection contagious?

Even though it may take you a few days to experience symptoms if you have COVID-19, you are still contagious throughout this period. Ten days following the onset of your symptoms, you are no longer contagious.

The greatest strategy to stop others from contracting COVID-19 is to:

Aim to keep your distance of 6 feet from other people.

When around people, put on a cotton mask that covers your mouth and nose.

Regularly wash your hands. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if washing is not an option.

Do not enter busy indoor areas. Open windows to let in as much fresh air as you can.

If you are experiencing symptoms that could be COVID-19 or if a COVID-19 test results in a positive result, isolate yourself at home.

Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.

• Who is most susceptible to COVID-19?

The following groups of people are most at risk of developing COVID-19:

reside in a region where the spread is still active or have just visited one.

have been in close contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus, either in a confirmed or suspected case according to a lab. Close contact is defined as spending a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more, during the course of a 24-hour period, within 6 feet of an infected individual.

are older than 60 and had compromised immune systems or pre-existing medical issues.

How soon after contracting SARS-CoV-2 will I start to experience COVID-19 symptoms?

The incubation period (the interval between becoming infected and exhibiting symptoms) can last anywhere between two and 14 days. Five days on average pass before symptoms appear. The degree of the symptoms might range from extremely minor to severe. Approximately 80% of people who have COVID-19 only experience minor symptoms, though this may change when variations appear.

• Can I get COVID-19 again if I recover from a case of it?

Three months after your previous positive test, you are believed to have contracted SARS-CoV-2 again. Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 before the omicron version was uncommon but not impossible.

In November 2021, Omicron (B.1.1.529) was initially discovered in South Africa and immediately spread over the world. Omicron was able to avoid immune systems thanks to a number of mutations, and we had more reinfections than ever before.

Reinfection is still a possibility because the virus that causes COVID-19 is continually evolving. The best defense against serious disease is vaccination, including a booster dose.

• What COVID-19 symptoms are present?

Different people experience different COVID-19 symptoms. In fact, some infected people show no signs of illness (asymptomatic). People with COVID-19 frequently describe the following signs and symptoms:

cold or fever.

Cough.

trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

Tiredness.

bodily aches or muscle pain.

Headaches.

new odor or taste loss.

throat pain

runny nose or congestion

vomiting or nauseous.

Diarrhea.

• Additional symptoms might appear.

Additional symptoms might appear.

Two to 14 days after virus contact, symptoms could start to show up. Similar symptoms exist in children, however they are typically less severe than in adults. A more significant COVID-19 consequence is more likely in older folks and those with serious underlying medical issues.

• If you experience any of the following warning signals, dial 911 and seek emergency medical attention:

difficulty breathing

persistent chest pressure or pain.

new perplexity

being unable to awaken from sleep.

lips or face with a blush.

Not all probable symptoms are covered in this list. If you have any serious symptoms or suspect you may have the coronavirus, get in touch with your healthcare professional.

• How are coronaviruses identified?

A laboratory test is used to diagnose COVID-19. To send for testing, your healthcare professional might take a sample of your saliva or swab your throat or nose.

• When should I have a coronavirus (COVID-19) test?

Call your medical professional if you:

Feel unwell with a fever, a cough, or breathing issues.

having had frequent contact with someone who carries or is thought to carry COVID-19.

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and let you know whether you need to get tested for COVID-19.

• How long should I self-isolate if my coronavirus test is positive?

As of right now, the CDC advises self-isolation until you've satisfied both of the following conditions:

Five days have passed since the onset of your symptoms, and they are getting better.

You haven't had a fever in the past 24 hours, and you haven't taken any anti-fever meds during that period.

If at all feasible, segregate yourself from the rest of the family while at home by staying in a different room. If you are unable to remain completely alone in a separate room, keep a distance of 6 feet from other people, wear a cloth mask, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and frequently clean shared spaces.

After your period of self-isolation, there is no need for a follow-up test. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for testing, but keep in mind that every case is different.

The CDC's requirements do not apply to you if you have a compromised immune system or if you have experienced a severe COVID-19 infection. Up to 20 days after your symptoms started, you might need to stay at home. Discuss your condition with your healthcare practitioner.

• How long must I isolate myself after being in the presence of someone who has COVID-19?

If: You need to be in a five-day quarantine

You still lack several vaccinations.

Since receiving your second dose of vaccination, more than six months have passed without receiving a booster.

After that, for an extra five days, you should always wear a mask that fits properly while you are near people. If at all possible, the CDC advises testing on day five. Depending on the strain variations and the testing options available, this quarantine duration may change.

• Is it possible to test coronavirus negative and still have the disease?

It is conceivable, yes. There are a number of causes for "false negative" test results, which means you actually have COVID-19 despite what the test result indicates.

Arguments against a false negative Test results for COVID-19 include:

You had testing too soon after becoming unwell. The virus hasn't proliferated in your body to the point where the test could find it.

The samples obtained by the swab was poor. It's possible that neither you nor the medical staff swabbed your nasal cavity thoroughly enough to obtain a quality sample. Other less likely possibilities include handling and shipment mistakes.

The test itself was not sensitive or specific enough to identify COVID-19's causative agent, SARS-CoV-2. Sensitivity is the test's capacity to identify even the tiniest viral particles. The capacity of the test to identify only the COVID-19 virus and not other related viruses is referred to as specificity. For SARS-CoV-2, numerous commercial and medical laboratories have created tests. All must adhere to standards, however "false negative" and "false positive" tests are always a possibility.

• If someone has COVID-19, what treatments are they given?

Depending on the intensity of your symptoms, different COVID-19 treatments are available. There is no particular antiviral or immunotherapy advised if you are not in the hospital or do not require more oxygen.

You could require: based on the severity of your COVID symptoms.

supplementary oxygen (given through tubing inserted into your nostrils).

An injection of monoclonal antibodies might be advantageous for some persons.

The risk of hospitalization and death in some COVID-19 individuals may be decreased by antiviral medicines.

ventilation technology (oxygen through a tube inserted down your trachea). While receiving oxygen through a ventilator, you are given drugs to keep you at ease and asleep.

O2 transfer across extracorporeal membranes (ECMO). As a machine pumps your blood outside of your body, you continue to receive treatment. Your body's heart and lungs are replaced by it.

• Vaccinated individuals still having COVID-19?

Yes, even if you've received a vaccination, you could still contract COVID-19. No vaccine is 100 percent reliable. In fact, breakthrough cases—when a person tests positive after receiving the full course of vaccination—are anticipated, particularly as the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates.

Your chance of infection is greatly decreased by the vaccinations, but not completely. There is extremely little chance that a breakthrough infection will cause a serious illness or death.

• How can I treat my symptoms at home?

You can probably take care of your health at home if you only experience mild COVID-19 symptoms. Consider these recommendations:

If you have a fever, you should take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and drink a lot of fluids (water is ideal).
If you have a cough, lie on your side or sit up; never on your back. When drinking hot tea or water, stir in a spoonful of honey (honey shouldn't be given to children under 1 year old). Use salt water to gargle. For guidance on over-the-counter comfort care items including cough suppressants and cough drops/lozenges, speak with your doctor or pharmacist by phone. Any necessary medications should be picked up by a friend or family member. You must remain at home.

Try to unwind if you're worried about your breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply via your nose, and exhale slowly through pursed lips (as if you were blowing out a candle slowly).

Call 911 if you're having problems breathing.

In a few days to a week, if you have a mild case of COVID-19, you should start to feel better. Contact your healthcare practitioner if you believe your symptoms are getting worse.

• How can I avoid acquiring COVID-19?

The best barrier against contracting COVID-19 is vaccination. The same precautions you would take to avoid catching other viruses like the flu or the common cold should also be taken to avoid having them.

Before eating and preparing food, after using the restroom, after wiping your nose, and after coming into touch with someone who is contagious, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

As advised by the CDC, put on a multilayered cloth facemask that fits securely on your face and covers your mouth, nose, and chin.

To avoid spreading infections from your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when doing so. In the garbage, place the tissue. After, wash your hands. Never ever sneeze or cough into your hands!

Keep your distance (6 feet or less) from somebody who has a cough, a cold, or other illness. When you're sick, stay at home.

Avoid big crowds of people if you are prone to illness or have a compromised immune system. Pay attention to the instructions given by your healthcare authorities, particularly during outbreaks.

Use a disinfectant that kills viruses to clean regularly touched surfaces (such as doorknobs and countertops).

If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

Instead of shaking hands, make a pleasant motion to introduce yourself.

Get enough rest, maintain a good diet, consume lots of liquids, and engage in some exercise if you can. Your immune system will be boosted by taking these actions, which will make it easier for you to resist infections.

• Do I need to cover my face?

Any queries you may have concerning the best times to use a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be addressed by your healthcare professional. The CDC generally advises wearing a face mask in the following circumstances:

Wear a face mask in public if you live somewhere with high COVID-19 levels in the local population.

if you are ill but are unable to avoid being near people.

if you are the caregiver for a COVID-19 patient.

If you or someone you live with is more likely to suffer from a severe illness.

• Cleveland Clinic's statement

Since the initial COVID-19 instances in the US were identified, much progress has been made. About the virus and how to treat those who have it, we've learnt a lot. Additionally, we have considerably improved our testing capacity. You, our communities, have worked really hard to adapt as well.

It can be difficult to adjust to the changes we've all made to keep secure and healthy. But please be on guard. We are aware that it is difficult but necessary. You shouldn't take COVID-19 lightly. While the majority of people only experience minor symptoms, some people get severe heart, brain, and lung problems. We may not yet be aware of any additional long-term impacts.