COVID-19 Overview
COVID-19 doesn’t only affect a few. Most of us are at risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Find out how to help protect yourself and others.
- Treatment
What to do if you test
positive for COVID-19
Early action is key. Staying away from others and speaking with a healthcare provider are important first steps.
5 min read
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, and depression.
Source: Am J Prev Cardiol
Age is a factor
50+
Your age increases your risk of a severe case, too
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
How to Get Help
Don’t delay — ask a doctor about prescription options within 5 days of symptoms.
Learn more about how to help keep yourself and others 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.
5 min read
- Updated
Understanding COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines can help train and strengthen your immune system to help fight.
6 min read
- Treatment
COVID-19 and chronic conditions: what you need to know
Certain health conditions can increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
4 min read
- Treatment
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?
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is spread when an infected person exhales small droplets of saliva that contain the virus that are:
- Inhaled
- land on the eyes, nose, or mouth
- or are introduced to the eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
If you’re at high risk for severe COVID-19, ask your doctor about prescription medication if you test positive.
Experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? Contact your doctor right away.
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. At the first sign of symptoms, get tested and talk to your doctor.
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:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty Breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Talk to your doctor at the first sign of symptoms and ask if a prescription to treat COVID-19 is right for you.
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).
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.
People of all ages or groups can be infected with COVID-19. Some people are more likely than others to progress to severe COVID-19, which can lead to hospitalization or worse, even when symptoms start off as mild.
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
Speak with your doctor to help determine your risk status even before a positive COVID-19 result.