What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, which is a large group of infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections. The virus can cause coughing, fever, shortness of breath and other symptoms. It is very contagious and can spread from one person to another rapidly.
Most people have mild or moderate symptoms. However, people with existing health conditions may be at a higher risk of serious complications. More than a million people have died of COVID-19 in the United States, while tens of thousands are hospitalized each year.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from one person to another. You may have no symptoms or very mild ones, or symptoms could be severe. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, such as the cold or flu, and may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Chills
- Congestion
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches and pain
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of smell or taste
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors for complications, such as being older than age 50, having other chronic health issues (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) or a compromised immune system.
You should also see a doctor immediately or seek emergency care if these symptoms occur:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
How long does COVID-19 last?
Most people feel better within a few weeks, but some people experience symptoms that last much longer. According to the CDC, Long COVID is a condition that occurs after a COVID-19 infection and lasts for at least three months.
When did COVID-19 start?
The COVID-19 timeline began in late 2019, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged in China. It caused pneumonia-type symptoms that did not respond to existing treatments. The virus then rapidly spread around the world.
The first cases were diagnosed in the United States in January 2020. In March 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Is COVID-19 still around?
While COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency, it continues to make people seriously ill in the United States and worldwide. Millions of Americans get sick with COVID-19 each year, with many requiring hospitalization.
How does COVID-19 affect the body?
COVID-19 typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, which usually go away within a few weeks. It can also affect other parts of your body and cause long-term complications. In severe cases, COVID-19 can be fatal. Getting an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination may reduce your risk of serious illness.
Complications may include:
- Brain and nervous system problems: Some people experience “brain fog” (difficulty concentrating or thinking) or numbness or tingling in their arms and legs.
- Damage to your heart and blood vessels: COVID-19 can increase your chance of heart problems, such as inflammation and an irregular heartbeat.
- Eye problems: A few people who have COVID-19 develop eye problems, which may be linked to inflammation.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: The virus may remain in your gastrointestinal tract for weeks or months, causing diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
- Kidney problems: Kidney issues have been linked to COVID-19 infections.
- Respiratory failure: This is the most common cause of death among people with COVID-19.
- Skin conditions: Rarely, people can develop rashes when they have COVID-19 or in the weeks or months afterward.
