Understanding COVID-19: Symptoms, prevention and home care

Article summary

• What is COVID-19?
• COVID-19 symptoms
• Preventing the spread of COVID-19
• Treatment and vaccine for COVID-19
• When to seek medical care
• Home care tips

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 starts with a coronavirus. A coronavirus is a type of germ that can make people sick. There are many kinds of coronaviruses. Some only cause mild colds, but others can cause more serious illness. The coronavirus that caused a global outbreak is often referred to as COVID-19. The name comes from scientists who discovered the virus and labeled it COVID-19.

COVID-19 spreads mainly through tiny droplets in the air. When a person who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks, these droplets can go into the air and land on people nearby.

COVID-19 symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people feel very sick, while others only have mild symptoms or none at all.

Here are some common symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever
• Cough (usually dry)
• Feeling very tired
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle or body aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Loss of taste or smell
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath (trouble breathing)

Not everyone will have all these symptoms. Some children and adults may not get a fever even if they have COVID-19. If you think you might have coronavirus, it is important to stay home and away from other people.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

There are many ways to help stop the spread of coronavirus and protect yourself and others:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer if you do not have soap and water.
• Try not to touch your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Wear a mask in crowded places or when you are around people who do not live with you.
• Stay at least six feet away from people who are not in your household.
• Avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
• Clean and disinfect things that you touch a lot, like doorknobs and phones.

If you feel sick, stay home so you do not spread germs to others. If someone in your house is sick, help them stay in one room away from others if possible.

Treatment and vaccines for COVID-19

Most people who get COVID-19 will get better at home with rest and care. There are no special medicines that cure COVID-19, but doctors can help with symptoms. For example, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to lower a fever or help with pain.

Vaccines are now available to help protect people from getting very sick with coronavirus. The vaccines have been tested and shown to be safe and effective for children and adults. The COVID-19 vaccine helps your body learn how to fight the virus if you are exposed to it. Getting vaccinated makes it less likely that you will get very sick if you catch the virus.

Some people might have mild side effects from the vaccine, like a sore arm, feeling tired or a mild fever. These side effects usually go away in a day or two.

When to seek medical care

Most people with COVID-19 can get better at home. But sometimes, the illness can be serious. You should call your doctor or get help right away if you or someone you care for:

• Has trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Has pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
• Looks very pale or blue, especially on the lips or face
• Is confused or hard to wake up
• Cannot keep liquids down or stops peeing

If you are not sure, it is always okay to call your doctor or nurse and ask what to do. They can help you decide if you need to see a doctor right away.

Home care tips

If you or someone in your home has COVID-19, here are some ways to help them feel better and keep others safe:

• Make sure the sick person rests and drinks plenty of fluids.
• Give medicine for fever or pain if needed.
• Keep the sick person in one room, away from others if possible.
• Have them use a separate bathroom if you can.
• Everyone in the house should wash their hands often.
• Clean things that are touched a lot, like doorknobs, phones and light switches.
• If you need to be close to the sick person, wear a mask and wash your hands after.
• Do not share cups, plates or towels with the sick person.
• Watch for signs that the person is getting worse, like trouble breathing or chest pain.

Most people will start to feel better after a few days. If the sick person is not getting better or is getting worse, call your doctor.