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How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 infection is spread through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs or sneezes. Tiny infectious particles can linger in the air and accumulate in indoor places, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has caused a global pandemic since early 2020. The disease is transmitted from person to person.

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

Most people with COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever or chills, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. Some people might also have less common symptoms such as headache, muscle …

What causes COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by infection with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It was identified in Wuhan City in China in December 2019. Like other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 changes, or ‘mutates’, over time to create new versions of the virus, known as ‘variants’.

Is COVID-19 contagious?

COVID-19 infection occurs through direct close contact with a person while they are infectious. The infected person may or may not have symptoms. The virus, known as SARS-CoV-2, is spread through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected …

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

COVID-19 is most accurately diagnosed using a laboratory test, called nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), also more commonly known as a ‘PCR test’. An antigen test may also be self-administered at home, or given by a healthcare provider at a hospital or …

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Mild symptoms are treated in a similar way to a seasonal flu. Severe symptoms may require treatment in hospital, with or without breathing support via ventilator. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved a …

How long does COVID-19 infection last?

In most people, symptoms appear within 5–7 days of exposure to COVID-19. Most people are contagious for 7–10 days, sometimes starting up to two days before symptoms appear. Approximately 80% of people experience mild symptoms and recover from …

How can COVID-19 be prevented?

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce the severity of COVID-19, and to prevent hospitalization and death. Other strategies include wearing a mask, social distancing, hand-washing, using sanitizer, covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, and …

Will warm weather reduce the spread of COVID-19?

Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during colder months. However, it’s still possible to become sick with these viruses during warmer months. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 28 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 07 Mar 2023
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 277 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: SARS

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