COVID-19
Also known as Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 infection
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is covid-19?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and ranges from a mild cold like illness to severe pneumonia. Most people now recover at home within one to two weeks, helped by vaccination and prior immunity. Older adults and those with weakened immunity remain at higher risk and may be eligible for antiviral treatment, which works best started within a few days.
Causes
- SARS-CoV-2 virus
- Spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols
- Close indoor contact, particularly with poor ventilation
- Contaminated surfaces less commonly
Symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Runny or blocked nose
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Headache
- Loss or change of taste or smell
- Breathlessness in more severe illness
Risk factors
- Age over 70
- Weakened immune system or immunosuppressive treatment
- Chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Not being up to date with vaccination
Diagnosis
- Lateral flow or PCR testing
- Clinical assessment of oxygen saturation
- Chest X-ray if pneumonia is suspected
- Blood tests in those admitted to hospital
Treatment
- Rest, fluids and paracetamol for most people
- Antiviral treatment for those at highest risk, started early
- Oxygen and steroids for severe hospital treated disease
- Vaccination and boosters for prevention
- Staying away from others while infectious
Self care
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches
- Stay off work or school while you feel unwell
- Avoid contact with people at high risk
- Return to activity gradually rather than all at once
- Keep windows open when sharing indoor space
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Symptoms worsening after the first week
- You are in a high risk group and test positive, for antiviral assessment
- Fever persisting beyond five days
- Symptoms not improving after three weeks
- Ongoing fatigue, breathlessness or brain fog after recovery
- Pregnancy with COVID-19 symptoms
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Keep up to date with recommended vaccinations and boosters
- Improve ventilation indoors
- Wash hands regularly
- Stay home when unwell
- Consider a mask in crowded indoor settings if high risk
Outlook
Most people recover fully within one to two weeks. A proportion develop long COVID with fatigue, breathlessness and cognitive difficulty persisting for months, which is more likely after severe illness but can follow mild infection. Vaccination substantially reduces the risk of severe disease, hospital admission and long COVID.
Common questions
How long am I infectious?
Most people are infectious from a day or two before symptoms until about five days after they start, though it can be longer with weakened immunity. Avoiding contact with high risk people for five days after symptoms begin is the usual advice.
What is long COVID?
Symptoms continuing beyond 12 weeks that are not explained by anything else, commonly fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations and difficulty concentrating. Pacing activity rather than pushing through is the mainstay of management.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.