Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Updated: 2024-03-29

Definition

A coronavirus that spreads from person to person and causes illness.

Overview

Coronavirus 2019, also called COVID-19, is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The virus, also called SARS-CoV-2, spreads between people. COVID-19 may be a mild illness in many, but it also can lead to severe or critical illness and death especially among older adults.

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms often show up 2 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common symptoms are a dry cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. People with no symptoms can spread the virus. Rarely people who catch the virus that causes COVID-19 can develop inflamed organs or tissues.

Treatments

Prescription medicine or medicine given in a hospital can limit the seriousness of COVID-19. Medicines you can get without a prescription can help with fever, pain or cough. Most people recover without long-term effects, but some people have symptoms that continue for months.