COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that
contain the virus, which other people then breathe in, and some can also be found on
surfaces they touch. Those infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they are not displaying
symptoms.
Those who are older, have a weakened immune system and have certain disabilities or
underlying health conditions are at the highest risk to get extremely sick if they get COVID-19.
More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over the age of 65. Your risk of severe
illness from COVID-19 increases with the number of underlying medical conditions you have.
People from racial and ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities have an increased
risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19.
People of all ages including children and teens can get very sick from COVID-19, especially those with underlying medical conditions such as a genetic neurologic or metabolic conditions and congenital heart disease.
Children and teens with obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease or
who are immunocompromised can also be at an increased risk for getting very sick from COVID-
19.
The COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, and as these changes occur, they lead to variants
that may have new characteristics.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental activities (also known as post-exertional malaise)
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
- Cough
- Chest or stomach pain
- Headache
- Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Pins-and-needles feeling
- Diarrhea
- Sleep problems
- Fever
- Dizziness on standing (lightheadedness)
- Rash
- Mood changes
- Change in smell or taste
- Changes in menstrual period cycles
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, schedule an evaluation with one of our family medicine providers.
