LAB TEST
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing, and shortness of breath , but many other symptoms can occur. COVID-19 is caused by a highly infectious virus. Most people get mild to moderate illness. Older adults and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for severe illness and death. More than one million people in the United States have died from COVID-19.
Causes
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can affect people and animals. They can cause mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold . Some coronaviruses can cause severe illness that can lead to pneumonia…
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. Older people and people with certain existing health conditions have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death. Health conditions that increase this risk include: Asthma (if it's moderate or severe) Cancer COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Cystic…
Exams and Tests
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can perform a self-test . Your health care provider also may decide to test you for the disease. If you get tested for COVID-19 , swabs from the back of the nose, the front of the nose, or the throat will be collected to test for SARS-CoV-2.
Treatment
If you are recovering at home, supportive care is given to help relieve symptoms. People with severe illness will be treated in the hospital. The types of medicines given may vary depending upon how sick you are, your risk factors for serious illness from the disease, your age, and possibly what variant of the virus…
Possible Complications
Complications can include: Long COVID , which is defined by lasting COVID-19 symptoms that continue 4 weeks or longer after infection with the virus (post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection [PASC]) Damage to the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs Respiratory failure…
When to Contact a Medical Professional
You should contact your provider: If you have symptoms and think you may have COVID-19 If you have COVID-19 and you are in a group for whom antiviral medicine may be given If you have COVID-19 and your symptoms are getting worse Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have: Trouble breathing Chest pain or…
Prevention
You can take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 : Get a COVID-19 vaccine . If you have children, make sure they get a COVID-19 vaccine . If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of it stay at home and avoid contact with other people . Wear a well-fitted face mask or respirator . Practice good hygiene.…
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Types of COVID-19 treatment. www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/ . Updated July 12, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions. www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/faq.html . Updated July 5, 2024.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 22/02/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.