Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus. Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold:
- Through the air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it
- Occasionally, fecal contamination
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
After you receive a positive test result, it is recommended that you talk to a health care provider immediately to see if available COVID-19 outpatient treatments may be right for you – even if your symptoms are mild.
Most patients who test positive for COVID-19 are eligible for treatment. Act fast to get tested and seek treatment, since most medications must be started within days showing symptoms to be effective.
People who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are especially encouraged to seek treatment. This includes people who are older (65+) and/or have certain medical conditions.
If you need to find a health care provider, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258). You can also visit a Test-to-Treat site to receive testing, an evaluation by a health care provider, and a prescription for oral antiviral treatment at one location.
For severe symptoms, including a fever above 100°, you must call a health care provider, your nearest hospital or urgent care to schedule an appointment.
If it's an emergency, call 911.
Emergency warning signs can include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face