General information
COVID-19 causes a respiratory (lung) infection. Most healthy people who are sick with COVID-19 will have a mild illness, like a cold. Some people who are sick with COVID-19 will need to get care in the hospital.
Symptoms of COVID-19
People who are sick with COVID-19 may have symptoms like a fever, a cough, difficulty breathing, or pneumonia. Symptoms may be very mild or more serious. If someone has COVID-19, they may not show symptoms at all. These people can still infect others. Or, someone sick with COVID-19 may not show symptoms until up to 14 days later.
How COVID-19 spreads
The COVID-19 is most commonly spread by an infected person through:
- Droplets of liquid when they cough or sneeze;
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
- Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands;
- Sharing forks, spoons, or drink containers.
How to stop the spread of COVID-19
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
- Avoid touching your face;
- Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing;
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly;
- Always stay at least 2 meters away from other people.
- You have a higher risk of having serious health problems related to COVID-19 if you are 65 years or older or if you have certain medical conditions. Some of these medical conditions include: heart disease, high blood pressure, lung diseases, diabetes or cancer. You are also at a higher risk of having serious health problems related to COVID-19 if you have a weakened immune system, such as if you have had a medical treatment like chemotherapy.