Questions We All Have

Questions we all have about the coronavirus

Even though we are no longer undergoing a COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still important to monitor how the virus is changing and affecting all of us. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides regular updates and guidance on COVID-19. In addition, the World Health Organization posts frequent situation reports, travel and public advice and other information. Your local and state health department websites also can provide details about the latest developments close to home. You can also find information from the American Heart Association about COVID-19 and heart disease, health, well-being and other issues.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a type of virus called a coronavirus. The disease first appeared in Wuhan, China, and within months it spread around the globe. COVID-19’s effects can range from infecting people but causing no symptoms to causing severe illness and even death.

The full name of the disease is coronavirus disease 2019. “CO” stands for “corona,” “VI” is for “virus,” “D” is for disease, and “19” designates 2019, the year the disease arose. The specific virus that causes COVID-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.

What are COVID-19’s symptoms?

As the pandemic continued, the CDC compiled a list of symptoms reported in COVID-19 patients. These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and 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

If you are sick, call your health care professional about any symptoms that concern you. Some symptoms call for(link opens in new window) emergency care. If you’re having trouble breathing or have a bluish tint to your lips, face or nailbeds; persistent chest pain or pressure; new confusion; or trouble waking up or staying awake, get help right away.

What are the easiest ways to avoid the coronavirus and keep it from spreading?

You can protect yourself from COVID by staying up-to-date with any COVID vaccines or boosters. If you have respiratory symptoms, stay home and away from others, (including away from people who may live with you). If you have risk factors for more severe COVID, such as diabetes or heart disease, contact a health care professional for testing and treatment. Find additional tips from the CDC on how to avoid COVID-19 and stop it from spreading.

Learn more:
Why does handwashing work? (video)

Is there anything else I can do to protect myself?

Yes — don’t smoke or vape. Research has suggested that teenagers who vape have five to seven times the risk of getting COVID-19 compared with peers who don’t. Coronavirus and smoking tobacco can both have negative impact on the respiratory system, damaging the airways and weakening lung function. Research evaluating the association(link opens in new window) between smoking and COVID-19 has also shown that smoking may worsen COVID-19 infection and increase its spread.

What’s the difference between the coronavirus and the flu?

The flu and COVID-19 have many symptoms in common. But there are important differences: For instance, someone with COVID-19 might be contagious for a longer period than with the flu, and COVID-19 is more contagious in some populations and age groups.

Is it true that Native American, Alaska Native, Hispanic, Black and Asian people are particularly hard-hit by COVID-19?

Yes. The pandemic shined a light on some longtime disparities in health. For example, Black, Hispanic and American Indian/ Alaska Native people – who are for a number of reasons more at risk heart disease and stroke — faced significantly disproportionate impact from the pandemic.

Other circumstances have affected many people of color during the pandemic. They include discrimination, housing, education levels, access to health care and increased exposure to the virus as front-line or essential workers.

What factors raise my risk of becoming seriously ill?

Despite the coronavirus’s rapid spread, overall risk of severe illness remains low for most people in the U.S. But the risk is higher for some individuals. Adults age 50 and over and people with these underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for developing more serious complications if they catch COVID-19:

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Cerebrovascular disease, such as having a stroke
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic lung diseases
  • Chronic liver diseases
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Dementia
  • Down syndrome
  • HIV
  • Mental health conditions, such as  like depression and schizophrenia
  • Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplantation
  • Tuberculosis
  • Use of corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system 

People at higher risk of developing serious illness should take special precautions, and follow CDC guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters.

I’m not feeling well but I’m not sure I have COVID-19. What should I do?

If you have one or can buy one, take an FDA-approved COVID-19 test. If you don’t have a test or can’t get one, contact your health care professional. If you don’t have one, call the closest urgent care center or community clinic and find out if you can be seen there, how much it will cost and, if you have health insurance, what portion you will have to pay. Beyond that, even if you feel fine it’s best to behave as if you have the virus and could spread it. That’s a great way to protect yourself and others.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

You can buy an FDA-approved at-home test at the pharmacy or online. Carefully follow the test instructions to ensure an accurate result. If you have insurance, your plan may reimburse you for the cost of the test. The FDA’s website(link opens in new window) has a list of authorized COVID-19 tests. 

You also can go in person to a pharmacy or health department that offers testing.The Department of Health and Human Services maintains a state-by-state list of community-based sites providing COVID testing. You can also ask a health care professional about other testing options you may have in your community.

What should I do if I test positive for the virus?

First, consult your health care team right away about whether you are at high risk for a severe case. (People at high risk include those who are over age 65(link opens in new window), are over age 50 with certain medical conditions or have not received COVID vaccinations.) You may be able to use an anti-viral medication to prevent COVID-19 from becoming severe. These medications need to be started within five to seven days of when your symptoms begin.

Otherwise, the CDC advises you to stay home for at least five days, except for medical visits. Also keep your distance from others as much as possible. Avoid public transportation. If you must be around others (including pets), wear a mask covering your nose and mouth for 10 days. Wash your hands frequently and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. 

What should I do if someone in my household has COVID-19?

Besides helping the person meet basic food and medical needs, monitor everyone’s health closely and learn when symptoms are bad enough to warrant emergency care. If possible, the sick person should use a separate bedroom and bathroom and eat separately from other household members.

What is “community spread”?

Community spread is when the virus has spread but the source of the infection isn’t known. Crowded situations, close or physical contact, enclosed spaces and longer periods of exposure to the virus all increase the odds of it spreading.

Can the coronavirus be spread through food?

There’s currently no evidence it can be spread through food(link opens in new window). Coronaviruses are generally spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Before preparing or eating food, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.

Can the virus spread through drinking water?

It hasn’t been detected in treated drinking water. Most water treatment methods should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Will any medications, supplements, superfoods or remedies protect me from the coronavirus?

Be skeptical of any such claims. Your best bet is to get vaccinated as soon as you can — with any of the available vaccines — and to continue any other precautions recommended by the CDC. Also check out the World Health Organization’s Myth Busters page. 

Are children immune to COVID-19?

No. Children are less likely to become severely ill or be hospitalized with COVID-19. Various medical conditions, including obesity, chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and being immunocompromised might make children more vulnerable to becoming very ill from the virus.

Also, a rare but potentially deadly condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children has been linked to COVID-19 infection or exposure. The CDC lists MIS-C symptoms including those that require emergency care, such as trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or severe abdominal pain, confusion, and blue tint to skin or nail beds.

How can I protect my child from the virus?

You can protect your child from COVID-19 by getting them any COVID vaccines as recommended by their pediatrician, reminding them to wash their hands regularly, and keeping them home if they don’t feel well. It’s also important to support children’s health in other ways, such as eating a healthy diet and keeping them physically active.

What are COVID-19 "long haulers"?

Long haulers are people, including young people, who’ve had COVID-19 — often mild cases — but have ongoing and serious symptoms that last months afterward. Long-term effects such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint and chest pain are common. You may also hear this called long COVID(link opens in new window). More serious complications can affect the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys and skin. The best way to prevent long COVID is to prevent COVID-19.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

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