Covid-19
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can lead to mild to severe breathing problems, sometimes even death. To stay safe, it’s important to get vaccinated, wear a mask during outbreaks, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash your hands often, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
What is coronavirus? 
Coronaviruses are a category of viruses known to cause respiratory issues in humans. They are named “corona” due to the crown-like spikes that protrude from their surface. Notable examples of coronaviruses that impact humans include SARS, MERS, and the common cold. The novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, was initially identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since that time, it has disseminated across various countries worldwide.
Where do Corona Virus come from?
Coronaviruses are often found in bats, cats and camels. The viruses live in but don’t infect the animals. Sometimes these viruses then spread to different animal species. The viruses may change (mutate) as they transfer to other species. Eventually, the virus can jump from animal species and begin to infect humans. In the case of SARS-CoV-19, the first people infected are thought to have contracted the virus at a food market that sold meat, fish and live animals.
How do you get COVID-19?
The virus responsible for COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, can enter your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes. This typically occurs via airborne droplets or by touching your face with hands that have come into contact with the virus. Once it gets inside, the virus makes its way to the back of your nose and throat, where it latches onto cells, replicates, and then moves into your lungs. From that point, it has the potential to spread to other areas of your body.
How does the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spread between people?
Coronavirus is mainly spread through respiratory droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or breathes near you. You can get infected if you breathe in these droplets. It can also spread through close contact, like touching or shaking hands with an infected person and then touching your face.
How long is a person with COVID-19 considered contagious?
If you have COVID-19, it may take a few days for symptoms to show, but you can still spread the virus during this time. You stop being contagious 10 days after your symptoms start.
To avoid spreading COVID-19 to others:
- Keep a distance of 6 feet from others whenever you can.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth around people.
- Wash your hands often, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap isn’t available.
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces, and open windows for fresh air whenever possible.
- Stay home and isolate yourself if you feel sick or test positive for COVID-19.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often.
Who’s most at risk for getting COVID-19?
Persons at greatest risk of contracting COVID-19 include those who:
- Live in or have recently traveled to any area with ongoing active spread.
- Have had close contact with a person who has a laboratory-confirmed or a suspected case of the COVID-19 virus. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
- Are over the age of 60 with pre-existing medical conditions or a weakened immune system.
How long does it take to develop COVID-19 symptoms after being infected with SARS-CoV-2?
The time between becoming infected and showing symptoms (incubation period) can range from two to 14 days. The average time before experiencing symptoms is five days. Symptoms can range in severity from very mild to severe. In about 80% of people, COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms, although this may change as variants emerge.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID symptoms vary from person to person. In fact, some infected people don’t develop any symptoms (asymptomatic). In general, people with COVID-19 report some of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Tiredness.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headaches.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Sore throat.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Additional symptoms are possible.
Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Children have similar, but usually milder, symptoms than adults. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of more serious complication from COVID-19.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
COVID-19 is diagnosed through a lab test. A healthcare provider may take a sample of your saliva or swab your nose or throat to send for testing.
When should I be tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Call your healthcare provider if:
- You feel sick with a fever, cough, or trouble breathing.
- You have been in close contact with someone who has or might have COVID-19.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and let you know if you need a COVID-19 test.
If I have a positive test for coronavirus, how long should I self-isolate?
According to the CDC, you should self-isolate until you meet these conditions:
- At least five days have passed since your symptoms started, and your symptoms are improving.
- You haven’t had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
While isolating at home, stay in a separate room if possible to avoid contact with others. If full isolation isn’t possible, keep a 6-foot distance, wear a mask, wash hands often, and disinfect shared spaces and frequently touched surfaces.
You don’t need a test to end self-isolation, but follow your healthcare provider’s advice for your specific case.
If you have a weak immune system or had severe COVID-19, you may need to isolate for up to 20 days. Talk to your healthcare provider for guidance.
How long do I need to isolate myself if I’ve been around a person with COVID-19?
You should quarantine for five days if:
- You’re not fully vaccinated.
- It’s been more than six months since your second vaccine dose and you haven’t received a booster.
After the five days, wear a well-fitting mask around others for another five days. The CDC also suggests getting tested on day five if possible. Quarantine recommendations may vary depending on the virus variant and testing availability.
Is it possible to test negative for coronavirus and still be infected with it?
Yes, it’s possible to get a “false negative” COVID-19 test result, meaning you have the virus, but the test says you don’t. Here are some reasons why this might happen:
- Tested too early: If you get tested soon after getting infected, the virus may not have built up enough in your body to be detected.
- Poor sample collection: The swab might not have gone deep enough into your nose to collect a good sample, or there might have been handling or transportation issues.
- Test limitations: Some tests may not be sensitive enough to detect very small amounts of the virus or may not be specific enough to focus only on COVID-19 and not similar viruses.
If you think you have COVID-19 but your test is negative, follow the CDC guidelines. Stay home for 10 days and avoid close contact with others by staying 6 feet apart. Wear a mask and monitor your symptoms. If your condition gets worse, contact your healthcare provider. Don’t decide on your own when it’s safe to be around others—check with your healthcare provider first.
Management and Treatment
What treatments do people receive if they have COVID-19?
COVID-19 treatments depend on how severe your symptoms are. If you’re not in the hospital or don’t need oxygen, specific antiviral or immune-based treatments are usually not recommended.
For more severe cases, treatments may include:
- Supplemental oxygen: Delivered through a small tube placed in your nostrils.
- Monoclonal antibodies: Some people may benefit from these to help fight the virus.
- Antiviral medications: These can lower the risk of severe illness or hospitalization in some patients.
- Mechanical ventilation: If needed, a tube is placed in your windpipe to help you breathe, and you’ll be given medicine to stay comfortable and asleep.
- ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation): In very severe cases, a machine takes over for your lungs and heart by pumping your blood outside your body for oxygenation and circulation.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the best treatment based on your condition.
Can vaccinated people still get COVID-19?
Yes, it’s possible to get COVID-19 even if you’re vaccinated because no vaccine is 100% effective. Breakthrough cases, where someone tests positive more than two weeks after being fully vaccinated, can happen, especially as the virus changes.
However, vaccines greatly lower your chances of getting infected and significantly reduce the risk of severe illness or death if you do get COVID-19.
How can I manage my symptoms at home?
If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, you can usually take care of yourself at home. Here are some helpful tips:
- Fever: Drink plenty of water, rest, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever.
- Cough: Lie on your side or sit up instead of lying on your back. Add a teaspoon of honey to hot tea or water (but don’t give honey to children under 1). Gargle with salt water. For additional relief, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter cough medicine or lozenges, and have someone else pick them up for you. Stay at home.
- Breathing discomfort: Try to relax and practice slow, deep breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle.
- Trouble breathing: Call 911 immediately.
Most people with mild COVID-19 start feeling better within a few days to a week. If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Prevention
How can I keep from getting COVID-19?
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. You should also follow these steps to help prevent getting COVID-19 or other viruses like the cold or flu:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, after wiping your nose, and after being around someone who is sick.
- Wear a mask that fits snugly over your mouth, nose, and chin, as recommended by the CDC.
- Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth) to keep germs from spreading.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or use your sleeve. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands. Never sneeze or cough into your hands!
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick or have cold-like symptoms. Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
- If you’re at higher risk of getting sick or have a weakened immune system, stay away from large crowds and follow guidance from health authorities, especially during outbreaks.
- Clean high-touch surfaces (like doorknobs and countertops) with disinfectants that kill viruses.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
- Greet others with a friendly gesture, not a handshake.
- Take care of your health by getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising, if possible. This will help strengthen your immune system.
A note from Clear Lee Perfect Aesthetics:
We’ve made great progress since the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the United States. We’ve learned a lot about the virus and how to treat those affected, and testing has greatly improved. Our communities have worked hard to adapt as well. The changes we’ve all made to stay safe can feel tough, but it’s important to stay alert and continue these efforts. We know it’s not easy, but it’s crucial. COVID-19 should not be taken lightly. While many people experience only mild symptoms, others can face serious complications affecting the lungs, brain, and heart. There may also be long-term effects that we still don’t fully understand.
Significant progress has been achieved since the initial COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the United States. Extensive knowledge has been gained regarding the virus and its treatment, accompanied by substantial enhancements in testing capabilities. Our communities have demonstrated commendable adaptability in response to the situation. Although complying with safety measures may be challenging, it remains vital to remain vigilant and persist in these endeavors. It is crucial to recognize that COVID-19 should not be underestimated. While some individuals may only experience mild symptoms, others can face severe complications affecting various organs such as the lungs, brain, and heart. Additionally, there may be enduring effects that are not yet fully comprehended.
