COVID-19 Response
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which leads to respiratory illness and spreads from person to person primarily through respiratory droplets. These droplets are released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks and can infect others who are within close proximity. The WHO recommends maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet), while the CDC advises 1.8 meters (6 feet) for safety. People can also get infected by touching surfaces contaminated with droplets and then touching their face. The incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 2 to 14 days, with a median of 5 days, and some people may remain asymptomatic while still being contagious.
Long COVID
Long COVID (also called post-COVID conditions, long-haul COVID, Chronic COVID, and SARS-CoV-2) is a novel disease that cannot be defined as one condition.
The Interim Working Definition, provided by The National Academies, states Long COVID is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after initial COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection. The signs, symptoms, and conditions are present four weeks or more after the initial phase of infection; may be multisystemic; and may present with a relapsing-remitting pattern and progression or worsening over time, with the possibility of severe and life-threatening events even months or years after infection. Long COVID is not one condition. It represents many potentially overlapping entities, likely with different biological causes and different sets of risk factors and outcomes. Once a standard definition for Long COVID is established, the term will continually be updated to align with data and medical literature.
Individuals experiencing Long COVID are often referred to as Long Haulers.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The mostly commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Headaches
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Sore throat
Loss to taste or smell
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Muscle or body aches
High-Risk Populations for COVID-19
The risk of severe disease increases steadily as people age. Additionally, those of all ages with underlying medical conditions (including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease) appear to be at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 compared to those without these conditions. As more data become available, additional risk factors for severe COVID-19 may be identified.
COVID-19 Prevention
Following these recommendations can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or may feel sick.
- Stay at home and away from others if you feel sick.
- Use a face covering when physical distancing is difficult or when entering closed spaces.
- Physical distancing should be at least 1 meter (3 ft).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces often.
- Incorporate good hand hygiene into your daily routine.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. The World Health Organization recommends washing hands for 40-60 seconds.
- When hand washing is not available, use a hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol.
Find COVID‑19 Vaccination Testing Sites
Search for COVID‑19 vaccine testing for children or adults to find a location near you. If you do not find a convenient location, check back later or contact your healthcare provider or local health department.