Description

COVID-19, also called a virus disease 2019, is a disease caused by a virus. The virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or, more commonly, the SARS-CoV-2. He began to spread the word at the end of 2019, and became a pandemic of the disease in 2020.

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads most commonly through the air in small drops of liquid between people in close contact. Many people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild illness. But for older adults and people with certain medical conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care in the hospital or death.

Keep up to date on its COVID-19 vaccine that helps prevent serious diseases, the need of care in the hospital due to COVID-19 and the death of COVID-19 . Other ways you can help prevent the spread of this coronavirus includes a great cover of air flow, distancing the physical, the use of a mask in the right environment and good hygiene.

The medication can limit the severity of the viral infection. Most people recover without long-term effects, but some people have symptoms that persist for months.

Symptoms

Typical COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after contact with the virus.

Symptoms may include:

  • Dry cough.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • The loss of taste or smell.
  • Extreme tiredness, called fatigue.
  • Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting or loose stools, called diarrhea.
  • The pain, such as headaches and body or muscle aches.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose or sore throat.

People may have only a few symptoms or none at all. People who do not have symptoms, but test positive for COVID-19 is called asymptomatic. For example, many children who test positive have no symptoms of COVID-19, the disease. The people who are going to have the symptoms are considered presymptomatic. Both groups can spread COVID-19 to others.

Some people may have symptoms that get worse around 7 to 14 days after the onset of symptoms.

The majority of people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. But COVID-19 may cause serious medical complications and lead to death. Older adults, or people who already have medical conditions are at higher risk of serious illness.

COVID-19 can be mild, moderate, severe, or critical illness.

  • In general terms, mild COVID-19 does not affect the ability of the lungs to receive oxygen in the body.
  • In moderate COVID-19, the disease of the lungs also works correctly, but there are signs that the infection is deep in the lungs.
  • Serious COVID-19 means that the lungs do not function properly, and the person's need for oxygen and other medical assistance in the hospital.
  • Critical COVID-19, the disease means that the lung and the breathing system, called the respiratory system, it has failed and there's no damage throughout the body.

Rarely, people who contract the virus may develop a group of symptoms linked to inflamed organs or tissues. The disease is called inflammatory syndrome multisystem. When children have this condition, it is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, he shortened MY-C. In the adult, the name is EVIL -A.

When to see a doctor

Contact with a health care professional if you have a positive test for COVID-19 . If you have symptoms and need for testing for COVID-19 , or you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 , a health professional can help.

The people who are at high risk of serious illness you can get a medicine to block the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the body. Or your health care team may plan for regular checkups to monitor your health.

Get emergency help immediately for any of these symptoms:

  • You can't catch your breath or trouble breathing.
  • The skin, lips or nails, which are of a pale colour, grey or blue.
  • New confusion.
  • The difficulty to stay awake or wake up.
  • Chest pain or pressure constant.

This list does not include all emergency symptom. If you or a person you are taking care of the symptoms that worry you, get help. Let the healthcare team know about a positive test for COVID-19 or symptoms of the disease.

Causes

COVID-19 is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, also called SARS-CoV-2.

The coronavirus is spread mainly from person-to-person, even someone who is infected but has no symptoms. When people with COVID-19, the coughing, the sneezing, breathing, sing or speak, your breathing may be infected with the COVID-19 virus.

The coronavirus carried by a person of the breath can land directly in your face close to the person, after a sneeze or cough, for example. The droplets or particles of the infected person breathes out, possibly, could be breathed in by other people if they are close together or in areas with low air flow. And a person you can touch a surface that has respiratory droplets and then touch your face with hands that have the coronavirus on them.

It is possible to get COVID-19 more than once.

  • Over time, the body's defense against the COVID-19 virus may disappear.
  • A person can be exposed to a large part of the virus that breaks through your immune defense.
  • As a virus infects a group of people, the virus copies itself. During this process, the genetic code can change randomly in each copy. The changes are called mutations. If the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 changes in ways that make previous infections or vaccination less effective in the prevention of infection, people can get sick again.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect some animals. Cats, dogs, hamsters and ferrets have caught this coronavirus and had symptoms. It is rare for a person to get COVID-19 from pets.

Risk factors

The main risk factors for COVID-19 are:

  • If someone you live with has COVID-19 .
  • If you spend time in places with poor air flow and a greater number of people when the virus is spreading.
  • If you spend more than 30 minutes in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 .

Many factors affect the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 . How much time they are in contact, if the space has a good flow of air and their activities affect the risk. In addition, if you or other people use masks, if someone has COVID-19 symptoms and how close you are affects your risk. Close contact includes sitting and talking next to one another, for example, or the exchange of a car or the bedroom.

It seems to be unlikely for people to contract the virus that causes COVID-19 from an infected surface. While the virus is removed in the waste, called feces, COVID-19, the infection of places such as a public bathroom is not common.

Serious COVID-19 disease risk factors

Some people are at a higher risk of COVID-19, the disease than others. This includes people 65 years of age and older, as well as infants under age 6 months. The age groups have the highest risk of needing hospital care for COVID-19 .

Not every risk factor for severe COVID-19, the disease is known. People of all ages who do not have other medical issues that have needed hospital care for COVID-19 .

The known risk factors for severe disease include persons who have not had a COVID-19 vaccine. Severe disease is also a risk for people who have:

  • The sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
  • Serious diseases of the heart and possibly high blood pressure.
  • Chronic kidney, liver or lung disease.

People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease are also at higher risk, as are people with brain and nervous system conditions, such as stroke. Smoking increases the risk of serious COVID-19 illness. And people with a body mass index in the category of overweight or obese category, may have a greater risk.

Other medical conditions that may increase the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 include:

  • Cancer or a history of cancer.
  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
  • Weakened immune system of solid organ transplants or bone marrow transplants, some medications, or HIV .
  • Pregnancy.

This list is not complete. The factors are linked to a health problem that can increase the risk of severe COVID-19, the disease also. Some examples are a medical condition where people live in a group home, or the lack of access to medical care. In addition, people with more of a health problem, or older people that also have health problems have a higher risk of serious illness.

Complications

Complications of COVID-19, which include long-term loss of taste and smell, skin rashes, and sores. The disease can cause difficulty breathing, or pneumonia. The medical affairs of a person who already manages may get worse.

The serious complications of COVID-19, the disease may include:

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome, when the organs of the body do not receive enough oxygen.
  • Commotion caused by the infection or heart problems.
  • Exaggerated reaction of the immune system, called the inflammatory response.
  • The blood clots.
  • The renal injury.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome

After a COVID-19 infection, some people report that the symptoms continue for months, or you develop new symptoms. This syndrome has often been called a lot of COVID, or post - COVID-19 . You can listen to long distance calls COVID-19 , the post-COVID conditions or PASC. That is short for post-acute sequelae of infection by SARS-CoV-2.

Other infections, such as influenza and polio, it can lead to long-term disease. But the virus that causes COVID-19 has only been studied since it began to spread in 2019. Thus, research on the specific effects of long-term COVID-19 symptoms continues.

The researchers think that the post - COVID-19 syndrome may occur after an illness of any severity.

Get a COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent the post - COVID-19 syndrome.

Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a COVID-19 vaccine from 6 months of age and older. The COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of death or serious disease caused by COVID-19 .

The COVID-19 vaccine available in the united States are:

  • Pfizer BioNTechCOVID-19vaccine 2024-2025 formula.This vaccine is available for persons 6 months of age and older. Among people with a typical immune system: Children from 6 months up to the age of 4 years to the date after three doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer BioNTechCOVID-19vaccine. If a child has had a dose of a former Pfizer BioNTechCOVIDvaccine, two doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer BioNTechCOVID-19vaccine going to bring the child up to date. If a child had two doses previously, a dose of the 2024-2025 the formula to carry the child to date.People 5 years of age and older are up to date with a 2024-2025 Pfizer BioNTechCOVID-19vaccine.
  • Children from 6 months up to the age of 4 years to the date after three doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. If a child has had a dose of a former Pfizer, BioNTech COVID vaccine, two doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will take the child to date. If a child had two doses previously, a dose of the 2024-2025 the formula to carry the child to date.
  • People 5 years of age and older are up to date with a 2024-2025 Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer BioNTechCOVID-19vaccine 2024-2025 formula. This vaccine is available for persons 6 months of age and older.

Among people with a typical immune system:

  • Children from 6 months up to the age of 4 years to the date after three doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. If a child has had a dose of a former Pfizer, BioNTech COVID vaccine, two doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will take the child to date. If a child had two doses previously, a dose of the 2024-2025 the formula to carry the child to date.
  • People 5 years of age and older are up to date with a 2024-2025 Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • ModernaCOVID-19vaccine 2024-2025 formula.This vaccine is available for persons 6 months of age and older. Among people with a typical immune system: Children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years of age up to the date if you have had two doses of a 2024-2025 ModernaCOVID-19vaccine. If a child has had previous ModernaCOVIDvaccines, a dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine is going to take the child to date.People 5 years of age and older are up to date with a 2024-2025 ModernaCOVID-19vaccine.
  • Children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years of age up to the date if you have had two doses of a 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. If a child has had previous Moderna COVID vaccine, one dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine is going to take the child to date.
  • People 5 years of age and older are up to date with a 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

ModernaCOVID-19vaccine 2024-2025 formula. This vaccine is available for persons 6 months of age and older.

Among people with a typical immune system:

  • Children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years of age up to the date if you have had two doses of a 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. If a child has had previous Moderna COVID vaccine, one dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine is going to take the child to date.
  • People 5 years of age and older are up to date with a 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
  • NovavaxCOVID-19vaccine, with adjuvant 2024-2025 formula.This vaccine is available for people over 12 years of age and older. Among people with a typical immune system: People age 12 years and older are out of date, if they have had a dose of a 2024-2025 NovavaxCOVID-19vaccine.
  • The age of the persons aged 12 years and older are out of date, if they have had a dose of a 2024-2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

NovavaxCOVID-19vaccine, with adjuvant 2024-2025 formula. This vaccine is available for people over 12 years of age and older.

Among people with a typical immune system:

  • The age of the persons aged 12 years and older are out of date, if they have had a dose of a 2024-2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

In general, persons 5 years of age and older with typical immune systems may receive any vaccine approved or authorized for their age. Usually you do not need to get the vaccine itself every time.

Some people must receive all of its vaccine dose of the same vaccine maker, including:

  • Children 6 months to 4 years.
  • People 5 years of age and older with weakened immune systems.
  • The age of the persons aged 12 years and over who have had a shot of the Novavax vaccine should receive the second Novavax a shot in the two-dose series.

Talk with your health care professional if you have any questions about the vaccines you or your child. Your health care team can help you if:

  • The vaccine you or your child received earlier is not available.
  • You do not know the type of vaccine you or your child received.
  • You or your child began a series of the vaccine, but was unable to finish due to the side effects.

People with weakened immune systems

Your health care team may suggest an added dose of COVID-19 vaccine if you have a moderate or severely weakened immune system. In addition, the FDA has authorized the monoclonal antibody pemivibart (Pemgarda) to avoid COVID-19 in some people with weakened immune systems.

The Control of the spread of the infection

In addition to vaccination, there are other ways of stopping the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 .

If you are at a higher risk of severe disease, talk with your health care professional about how to better protect yourself. Know what to do if you get sick so you can start treatment quickly.

If you are feeling sick or have COVID-19 , stay home and away from others, including pets, if possible. Avoid sharing household items like dishes and towels if you are sick.

In general, to make it a habit:

  • Test forCOVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 test for the infection. Or test five days after you came in contact with the virus.
  • Help from afar. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick or has symptoms, if possible.
  • Wash your hands. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or with your elbow. Then wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces. For example, to clean doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters regularly.

Try to spread out in the public areas, especially in places with poor air circulation. This is important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.

The CDC recommends that people wear a mask in the interior of public spaces, if you are in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital. It is suggested to use the most protective mask possible that you're going to use it regularly, that fits well and is comfortable.

Travel and COVID-19

Travel brings people together from areas where the disease may be on the upper levels. The masks can help slow the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 . The masks help the most in places with low air flow and in which they are in close contact with other people. Also, the masks can help if the places you travel to or through having a high level of disease.

The masking is especially important if you or a teammate has a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 .

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, or you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, contact your health care team. Let them know if you have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 .

In the united States, in the home COVID-19 tests are available. Free tests can be mailed to addresses in the united states, or you can buy the tests in the stores, pharmacies, or online. The Food and Drug Administration also known as FDA, approves or authorizes the tests. On the website of the FDA, you can find a list of the tests that are validated and their expiration dates. You can also consult with your health care professional before you buy a test if you have any concerns.

When you take a test at home, read the instructions that come with the test carefully. Follow the instructions exactly to get as accurate a result as possible.

COVID-19 tests are also available to health care professionals, pharmacies and clinics, or community testing sites.

Here are some guidelines for when to take a COVID-19 test:

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, testing for the disease immediately.
  • If you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, but don't have symptoms, wait at least five days after the exposure after the test.
  • If you have symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 30 days, you can do the test again. But if you only were exposed to the coronavirus and have no symptoms, you do not need proof.

Also, the pre-test before an event or contact with persons at high risk for serious illness to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 .

COVID-19 tests use a sample taken from the nose or the throat, or a saliva sample.

Two types of tests can help diagnose COVID-19 .

  • The molecular tests.These tests can detect the genetic material of theCOVID-19virus. Reaction tests polymerase chain shortened to PCR testing, are molecular tests. You may also see this type of test called NAAT test, short for the nucleic acid amplification test. PCRtests are more accurate than the other type ofCOVID-19test, called an antigen test.PCRtests can be done at home. But they are much more likely to be done by a professional of the health and processed in a laboratory.
  • The antigen test.These tests can detect viral proteins, called antigens. The antigen test can also be called rapidCOVID-19tests or in homeCOVID-19tests. These tests are helpful if you need a quick result. Antigen tests are reliable and accurate, but they are less accurate thanPCRtests. This is especially true if you have no symptoms. If you take a test antigen and are negative forCOVID-19, taking another antigen test after 48 hours to get the result more accurate.

The molecular tests. These tests can detect genetic material from the COVID-19 virus.

Reaction tests polymerase chain shortened to PCR testing, are molecular tests. You may also see this type of test called NAAT test, short for the nucleic acid amplification test.

PCR tests are more accurate than the other type of COVID-19 test, called an antigen test. PCR testing can be done at home. But they are much more likely to be done by a professional of the health and processed in a laboratory.

The antigen test. These tests can detect viral proteins, called antigens.

The antigen test may also be called a rapid COVID-19 test or at-home COVID-19 test. These tests are helpful if you need a quick result.

Antigen tests are reliable and accurate, but are less accurate than the PCR test. This is especially true if you have no symptoms. If you take a test antigen and are negative for COVID-19 , take another antigen test after 48 hours to get the result more accurate.

The understanding of the results of the test

If you have a positive result for COVID-19 PCR or antigen test, it is almost certain that they have COVID-19 . Another proof that it is not necessary.

If you get a negative PCR test, the more likely it is that you do not have COVID-19 .

If you have a negative antigen test, the FDA recommends that you repeat an antigen test two days after the first test. With or without symptoms, repeat the test helps you to get the correct diagnosis.

If the result is positive, call a healthcare professional immediately to find out what options are available.

The prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while the sick

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus to other people, staying at home and apart of anyone who lives with you during the time you have worsening symptoms. If you have a weakened immune system, it is likely that you will need to isolate for a longer time. How much time depends on your symptoms and personal health history. Your medical professional can advise you on what is best in your situation.

If you must be around other people, a mask that helps to decrease the spread of this virus. During this time, try not to share things like cups and towels, and the use of a bathroom and bedroom. You can help get more air flow in your home.

Once you feel better, and I have not had a fever for a full 24 hours, and you have not taken any medicine for fever during that time, you can return to being around others. If the fever returns, or you begin to feel worse, re-isolation until his symptoms improve and you are fever-free without medication for 24 hours. But listen to the advice of your health care professional.

In the five days after isolation to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus can wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance from others, the test for COVID-19, the infection and improve the flow of air. These actions are useful even if you have never had symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19 .

Treatment

Many people with COVID-19 recover with rest, plenty of fluids, and the attention that manages the symptoms. Medicine you can get without a prescription can help, such as:

  • To reduce the fever.
  • Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
  • Cough syrup or medicine.

If you are at high risk of serious COVID-19 disease, your health care professional may suggest medications to prevent mild disease from getting worse. These medications may include nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid), remdesivir (Veklury) or molnupiravir (Lagevrio).

Paxlovid and Lagevrio is taken orally in pill form. Veklury is given through a needle placed into a vein.

If you are very ill, you may need to be treated in the hospital.

The treatment of severe COVID-19, the disease

For the people who are in the hospital for COVID-19 care, care of a person based on the response of the immune system and the need for oxygen support.

Added oxygen may be given through a tube in the nose. Some people may need a tube placed in their airway to push air into the lungs. This is called mechanical ventilation. In very serious situations, a machine called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as ECMO, can be used to simulate the function of the heart and lungs.

Medications for severe COVID-19 may remdesivir, baricitinib (Olumiant), and tocilizumab (Actemra), or a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone.

Baricitinib is a pill. Tocilizumab is an injection. Dexamethasone may be a pill or given through a needle placed into a vein.

Another option may come from blood donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19 , so-called convalescent plasma. The blood is processed to remove the cells from the blood, leaving behind a liquid called plasma, which has immune system proteins called antibodies. Convalescent Plasma with high levels of antibodies can be used to help people with a weakened immune system recover from COVID-19 .

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have COVID-19 , it is important to get enough rest, drink fluids and keep an eye on your symptoms. The medicines you can obtain without a prescription can help manage pain, fever, or cough.

If you have COVID-19, and remain separated from others, try to stay busy and help your body to remove the infection. Some things that may help are:

  • Eating healthy meals.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • The relaxation exercises.
  • Do activities that you enjoy.
  • Connect with friends and family, such as phone or video calls.

People who have COVID-19, or the attention of someone with the disease may feel new or worsening symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. If you or a loved one need help to control the stress of illness, isolation, or the provision of care, contact your health care professional. Consider the possibility of requesting a referral to a mental health professional.

Preparing for your appointment

Treatment for COVID-19 , you can start by seeing your health care professional. Or you may be referred immediately to a specialist trained in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Their recent travel, including any international travel.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you. Carry only one or two people. Check before you go to the appointment, as the hospital or the clinic may have visitor restrictions.

Some basic questions to ask your health care team include:

  • How likely is it that COVID-19 is causing my symptoms?
  • What are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What course of action do you recommend?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask several questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Where have you traveled recently?
  • We have been in close contact with?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of the Virus of the disease 2019 (COVID-19)