COVID-19 Overview
COVID-19 doesn’t only affect a few. Many of us are at risk.
Answer a few quick questions to understand your risk and whether treatment options may be worth discussing with your doctor.
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Are you feeling symptoms right now?
This includes anything from flu-like symptoms such as fever or cough to nausea, diarrhea, or loss of taste/smell.
Got it!
Did you know that COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to other respiratory illnesses? You may have symptoms of COVID-19 and not know it.
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Find out more about COVID-19 and how it can affect you.
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COVID-19 risks and treatment
Even mild symptoms can turn severe quickly.
Most people are at higher risk
75%
3 out of 4 adults in the U.S. are at risk of severe illness
A range of risk factors include heart conditions, diabetes, depression, and more.
Source: Am J Prev Cardiol
Age is a factor
50+
Your age increases your risk of progressing to severe illness
If you’re 50 or over, test early and ask a doctor about prescription medications.
Source: CDC
Seasonal surges happen
COVID-19 surges in cycles
The virus can hit at any time, but travel in warmer months and indoor gathering in cooler months can lead to rising cases.
Source: CDC
Talk with a doctor about prescription options within 5 days of symptoms.
Learn more about how to help keep yourself or loved ones healthy.
- Treatment
Factors that put you at high risk for severe COVID-19
People over 50 and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk.
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How long are you contagious after testing positive for COVID-19?
You can be contagious for 1-2 days before symptoms appear and up to 8-10 days after.
6 min read
How to get help
Ready to talk to a doctor?
Search for a healthcare provider, in-person or through telehealth, who can focus on your condition and the treatments you need.
Still have questions?
Am I still contagious with COVID-19 after 5 days if I still have symptoms?
COVID-19 can still be contagious after 5 days, especially if you still have symptoms. How long someone stays contagious can vary from person to person.
You may be more likely to spread COVID-19 if you:
- still have a fever
- still have symptoms like cough or fatigue
- are around people at higher risk for severe illness
If you’re at high risk for severe COVID-19, ask your doctor about prescription medication if you test positive.
Prescription treatment may help lower the chance of serious illness and longer-lasting symptoms if you test positive.
Talking with your doctor ahead of time can help you take the right next steps sooner.
Source: CDC
What causes COVID-19 cases to rise during certain times of the year?
A range of environmental conditions and behavioral patterns factor into seasonal surges of COVID-19, including:
- Temperature and humidity, which can affect the ability of viruses to survive and spread
- Time spent indoors, where there is less ventilation
- Vacation travel and gatherings
Speak with your doctor to help determine your risk status even before a positive COVID-19 result.
Don’t let COVID-19 sideline your plans. When you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or symptoms appear, getting tested and talking to your doctor can help guide your next steps.
Source: CDC
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common COVID-19 symptoms can include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose (nasal discharge)
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Symptoms can change quickly, especially if you're at higher risk for severe COVID-19. Knowing your risk can help you decide what to do next.
Source: CDC
What does it mean to progress to severe COVID-19?
Severe COVID-19 is when a person gets very ill with COVID-19 and needs medical treatment (hospitalization, intensive care, or ventilator use).
In some cases, people who develop severe COVID-19 can experience longer-lasting symptoms or new health problems, such as heart problems or diabetes. This is one reason why talking with a doctor early can make a difference.
Even if your symptoms are mild now, they can get worse quickly. Your symptoms are more likely to progress if you have certain high risk factors.
Anyone can get COVID-19, but the risk of severe illness isn’t the same for everyone. For example, Black Americans may be more likely to get seriously sick, in part because certain health conditions are more common in this community.
Having a high-risk factor puts you at risk of progression to severe COVID‑19:
- Being age 50 or older
- Certain health conditions
- Overweight/Obesity
- Certain mental health conditions
- Certain disabilities
If your symptoms are mild now, checking your risk can help you understand whether treatment may be an option before symptoms get worse.
You can share your results with a doctor to help guide next steps.
Source: CDC