What are the Covid-19 symptoms caused by the novel coronavirus, how does it spread, and should you call a doctor?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. This infection spreads, mainly, by being in close contact with another person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person may also be infected by touching a surface or object that has a virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Most common symptoms, which range from mild to severe, are: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure. You should seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Some people may be at a higher risk of getting very sick from this illness: older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. There is not a vaccine or specific treatment for this disease. People can seek medical treatment to relieve symptoms and serious side effects, such as severe pneumonia.
