COVID is an infectious disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, which is believed to have first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness such as the common cold, or more severe illness such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID, not seen in humans before.
According to the CDC, COVID is thought to spread mainly though respiratory droplets from person-to-person in close contact with one another within 6 feet, when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes. Virus can also spread from a COVID infected person who does not show any symptoms.
A person may contract the illness by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
COVID transmission may also occur sometimes through smaller respiratory particles (droplets) as airborne, particularly in the environment with inadequate air ventilation system and in closed spaces.
Few cases of pets including cats and dogs have been reported worldwide to be infected with the COVID virus. The risk of spreading the virus from animals to humans is low.
Signs and Symptoms of COVID
The symptoms of COVID appear 2-14 days after the exposure to the virus. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
Emergency warning signs/symptoms include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
There may be other possible symptoms that are severe, and concerning, not included in the list. Please call your medical provider and seek immediate medical attention.