It’s understandable if people want to put the COVID-19 virus in the rearview mirror. Since it first surfaced in late 2019, the COVID-19 virus has claimed the lives of millions of people across the globe. In 2020, the virus upset every aspect of life, from work to school to recreation and more.
Though COVID-19 has not disrupted most people’s daily lives in quite some time, it still poses a threat to anyone who contracts the virus. And since 2019, researchers have learned and continue to learn more about COVID-19. As another cold and flu season begins, it can’t hurt for people to reacquaint themselves with some basic information about COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While millions of people have survived COVID-19 after contracting the virus, the World Health Organization reports that, as of the first week of October 2023, the virus caused more than 6.9 million deaths.
Is the virus highly contagious?
The CDC reports that COVID-19 remains highly contagious and spreads very quickly. That’s one reason why a pre-winter refresher course on COVID-19 makes so much sense. Though the virus is contagious throughout the year, cases may spike in winter, when individuals spend more time indoors around other people.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The WHO reports that the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, chills and a sore throat. But the WHO also notes there are some additional, if less common, symptoms, including:
· Muscle aches
· Severe fatigue or tiredness
· Runny or blocked nose, or sneezing
· Headache
· Sore eyes
· Dizziness
· New and persistent cough
· Tight chest or chest pain
· Shortness of breath
· Hoarse voice
· Heavy arms/legs
· Numbness/tingling
· Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/ belly ache, or diarrhea
· Appetite loss
· Loss or change of sense of taste or smell
· Difficulty sleeping
The WHO urges anyone to seek immediate medical attention if they are experiencing difficulty breathing; an inability to speak in sentences; confusion; drowsiness or loss of consciousness; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; cold or clammy skin; or a loss of speech or movement.
Who is most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19?
Individuals age 60 and older and people with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, low immune function, and cancer are among the groups considered most at-risk for severe illness from COVID-19. In addition, people with chronic conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, or brain and individuals who qualify as obese also are at risk of severe illness.
When should I get tested?
The WHO recommends testing for anyone with symptoms such as acute onset of fever and cough. Anyone who has come in close contact with an infected person, even if they are not presenting symptoms, also should be tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 may no longer be the disruptive force it was at the onset of the pandemic. However, the virus remains a threat, and it’s worth anyone’s time to reacquaint themselves with the basics of COVID-19. More information is available at who.int.
