COVID-19: advice and information
In this article we will provide advice and information on COVID-19.
Background
COVID-19 is an illness first discovered in 2019 and caused by a respiratory coronavirus. This is called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The associated illness is known as COVID-19.
People who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include:
- Older people
- Pregnant people
- Those who are unvaccinated
- People of any age whose immune system is suppressed, so are at higher risk of serious illness.
The risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19 (and other respiratory infections) is very low for most children and young people.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 can present with a range of symptoms, which are of varying severity.
The main symptoms include: fever, a new and continuous cough, anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste).
Examples of other symptoms include: shortness of breath, unexplained tiredness or fatigue, loss of appetite, myalgia (muscle ache), sore throat, headache, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Older people may present with less common symptoms.
In some individuals cough or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of smell or taste may persist for several weeks. This is not considered an indication of ongoing infection, when other symptoms have resolved.
Individuals who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who are asymptomatic can still transmit virus to others.
Typical COVID-19 illness
The symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Symptoms are similar to:
- Other coronavirus strains, which often affect the respiratory system
- Many other viruses – e.g. rhinoviruses or influenza viruses – that cause the common cold or flu.
Most infections are mild and last 5-6 days, and people are fully better by 2 weeks. In other words, you do not normally need to see a doctor.
Also it is important to note that 30% of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all – or report only very mild symptoms.
What is the mortality of COVID-19?
About 1%. But it is very variable according to age – from 15% if 80 years old or over, to minimal if under 10 years.
Infectious period
In most cases, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs from 9 days before symptom onset to 15 days after symptom onset. Most transmission occurring 3 days before symptom onset to 5 days after symptom onset.
Severely immunocompromised patients (e.g. on chemotherapy or on immunosuppression for a transplant) can remain infectious for a much longer period.
There is some evidence that children may be less infectious; and are infectious for a shorter period of time, compared with adults.
Positive lateral flow (LFT) tests have been shown to be associated with high viral load in infectious cases. People who have high viral loads are more infectious to other people.
Summary
We have described advice and information on COVID-19. We hope it has been helpful.
Other resources
What positive COVID-19 LFT test looks like
Basics of COVID-19
What to do if test positive for COVID-19
When should you see a doctor about COVID-19?
UK government advice on COVID-19
Further UK government advice on COVID-19
Questions and answers about COVID-19
What is the mortality of COVID-19?
Last Reviewed on 28 May 2024