COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although it most commonly affects the nose, throat, and lungs, it can also affect many other parts of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and digestive system.
COVID-19 ranges from mild illness with cold-like symptoms to severe disease requiring hospitalization. While many people recover within 1–2 weeks, some individuals—particularly older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for serious complications.
Vaccination, good hygiene, and staying home when sick remain important ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and lower the risk of severe illness.
COVID-19 – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/covid19.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about COVID-19, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
COVID-19 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Provides comprehensive information about COVID-19, vaccines, testing, treatment, and prevention.
COVID-19 continues to circulate worldwide and remains one of the most common viral respiratory illnesses. Although vaccination and prior infections have reduced severe illness for many people, outbreaks and seasonal increases still occur.
COVID-19 can affect people of all ages, but serious illness is more common in:
CDC – COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Provides current information about COVID-19, transmission, and people at increased risk.
Symptoms usually begin 2–14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include:
Some people have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, recent exposures, vaccination history, and medical history, and perform a physical examination if needed.
COVID-19 is confirmed using laboratory testing.
COVID-19 Testing – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/
Explains how COVID-19 is diagnosed and when testing is recommended.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The virus spreads primarily through:
People may spread the virus even if they have mild symptoms or no symptoms.
COVID-19 – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Learn how COVID-19 spreads and ways to reduce your risk.
Certain people are at greater risk of developing severe illness.
Risk factors include:
People at Increased Risk – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/
Provides information about medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
You can reduce your risk of COVID-19 and protect others by:
COVID-19 – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Laboratory testing confirms COVID-19 infection and may help evaluate severe illness.
Common laboratory tests include:
COVID-19 Testing – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/
Provides information about COVID-19 testing and laboratory evaluation.
Additional testing depends on the severity of illness and whether complications are suspected.
Common diagnostic tests include:
COVID-19 – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Provides information about COVID-19 evaluation and diagnostic testing.
Treatment depends on the severity of illness, your risk factors, and how long symptoms have been present.
Treatment options may include:
Early antiviral treatment may reduce the risk of hospitalization for people at higher risk of severe disease.
COVID-19 Treatments – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/
Provides information about antiviral medications and treatment recommendations.
Healthy habits can help support recovery and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
COVID-19 – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Provides recommendations for recovering safely and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Treatment depends on your symptoms, overall health, and risk of severe illness.
Common medications may include:
Antibiotics do not treat COVID-19 unless a bacterial infection develops in addition to the viral infection.
COVID-19 Treatments – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/
Provides information about COVID-19 medications, antiviral treatment, and supportive care.
Most people with COVID-19 do not need procedures and can recover at home with supportive care. However, certain procedures may be required for diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment—especially in moderate to severe cases.
Common procedures may include:
COVID-19 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Most people recover from COVID-19 within 1–2 weeks, but recovery time can vary.
Some individuals experience long COVID (post-COVID conditions), where symptoms last weeks to months after the initial infection.
Long-term symptoms may include:
Most people improve over time, but some may require ongoing medical care.
If you have mild COVID-19, home care is usually appropriate.
Helpful tips include:
You are typically most contagious in the first few days of illness. Many people remain contagious for about
, depending on symptoms and severity.
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Yes. Reinfection is possible, even if you’ve had COVID-19 before.
Test if you have symptoms, have been exposed, or before being around high-risk individuals.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Most people with COVID-19 are managed by a primary care provider. However, specialists may be involved in more complex cases.
You may be referred to:
Yes. Most cases of COVID-19 resolve as the immune system clears the virus.
While there is no single “instant cure,” treatments such as antiviral medications can reduce the severity and duration of illness, especially in high-risk individuals.
Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice:
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
COVID-19 – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/covid19.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
Provides the most up-to-date guidance on COVID-19 symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or another qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.
