What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a condition caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 stands for “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.” SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus. It is in the same family of viruses that cause the common cold, but it can have more severe health effects. COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs and sinuses (nose), or upper respiratory tract. It can also affect other...READ MORE

People with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of mild to severe symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, sudden loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Those with a mild case will usually recover in one to two weeks....READ MORE

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. Depending on the variant, COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, may be more easily spread than the flu and can cause more severe illness, including long-term symptoms. Compared to the flu, COVID-19 has a longer incubation period (time from when you’re first exposed to when you develop symptoms) and...READ MORE

Most people recover from COVID-19 after a few weeks. But sometimes people experience health problems long after they are first infected. These lasting symptoms are often called “long COVID.” Symptoms of long COVID can be mild to severe and can be debilitating. Diagnosis is based on medical history, including a positive COVID-19 test or symptoms/exposure, and a healthcare provider’s examination....READ MORE

The main kinds of tests for COVID-19 are antigen tests (rapid or at-home tests) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT or PCR tests). Antigen tests look for specific viral proteins that indicate COVID infection. You can buy antigen tests in pharmacies or online. Test kits contain everything you need to collect a sample from your nose or mouth and to...READ MORE

The FDA has authorized several antiviral medications, including Paxlovid, to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. These medications work by reducing the ability of the COVID-19 virus to multiply in the body. Antiviral medications must be started within 5-7 days of when a person first experiences symptoms. If you think you...READ MORE

Severe symptoms signs for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses (such as flu or RSV) include: A person with any of these severe symptoms needs care right away. Call 911, or call ahead to your local emergency facility to let them know that you are seeking care for someone who may have COVID-19. Call a provider for any other symptoms that...READ MORE

Self-care for a person with COVID-19 includes getting plenty of rest and preventing dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medications can help reduce symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and body aches. Contact your provider for more instructions. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home if possible and wear a mask around others. If medical care...READ MORE

Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are at higher risk of severe illness, ICU admission, ventilator requirements, and death compared to non-pregnant individuals. Pregnant people should take steps to safeguard themselves against COVID-19. It’s important to get vaccinated, and to know that studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy. Other actions you can take include practicing physical distancing,...READ MORE

There are many places to find reputable data about COVID-19. Three of the best sources are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Alaska Department of Health, and the World Health Organization (WHO)....READ MORE