COVID-19: SARS CoV 2

COVID looks different now than it did a few years ago, and for most people it behaves like a bad cold with a stubborn cough. Knowing when a test changes what you do next is the useful part.

What Is It

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS CoV 2 virus. It spreads through the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. New variants appear regularly, which is why people can catch it more than once even after vaccination or a previous infection.

Symptoms

Most people notice sore throat, cough, congestion, headache, fatigue, and sometimes fever. Muscle aches and loss of taste or smell can happen but are less common than they once were. Symptoms usually build over two or three days rather than all at once. Many people feel better in about a week, though a dry cough and low energy can linger. You are generally most contagious around the time symptoms begin and for the few days after. A small number of people have symptoms that last for weeks or months, which is called long COVID.

Treatment

Testing can confirm what you have, which matters most if you are higher risk or need proof of the result. If you are at higher risk of severe illness and you start treatment within five days of your first symptom, an antiviral such as Paxlovid may lower the chance of getting seriously ill. It has to be started early to help, and it interacts with several common medicines, so bring your medication list. Most healthy adults recover with rest, fluids, and over the counter medicine for fever and sore throat. Antibiotics do not work on COVID. Current CDC guidance is to stay home until your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine, then take added precautions around other people for the next five days. Staying current on the updated vaccine remains the best way to lower your risk of severe illness.

If you are higher risk and your symptoms started this week, come in soon, since antiviral treatment only helps when it is started early.

When to Come In vs ER

Come to Urgent Care	Go to the Emergency Room
You need a test, or a documented result for work or travel	Trouble breathing or shortness of breath at rest
Symptoms started in the last five days and you are higher risk	Chest pain or pressure that does not let up
Cough or congestion that is not improving after a week	Confusion, or hard to wake up
Mild shortness of breath with activity, comfortable at rest	Bluish lips or face
Poor appetite and low fluid intake, but still able to drink	An oxygen reading under 90 percent at home

FAQ

How long does COVID last?

Most people improve within about a week. Cough and fatigue often outlast everything else.

How long are you contagious with COVID?

Usually from about a day before symptoms start through roughly five days after, though it varies. Two negative at home tests are reassuring.

How is COVID different from the flu?

The flu usually hits hard and fast. COVID tends to build over a couple of days and is more likely to start with a sore throat. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

When should I get tested?

Test if you are higher risk, if you will be around someone vulnerable, or if the result would change your treatment or your plans.