What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes lead to death or lasting health problems. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and practice social distancing, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and stay away from others if you feel sick.
How COVID-19 spreads
COVID-19 is spread in three ways:
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- Breathing in infected droplets when in close contact to an infected person.
- The infected droplets land on the eyes, nose, or mouth of another person. This can happen from coughs or sneezes.
- A person touching a contaminated surface and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
COVID-19 symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure of the virus. People with COVID-19 may feel some or all of these symptoms:
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- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Why getting vaccinated is important
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. The vaccines can keep you from getting and spreading the virus and can keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19.
