COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is the illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe illness requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation to death.
Have you had COVID?
Symptoms of COVID-19
People with COVID-19 commonly experience symptoms similar to other respiratory infections like cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and congestion, but can also include these symptoms as well:
- Headache
- Loss of smell/taste
- Fatigue
- Muscle/body aches
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
In addition to these symptoms, COVID-19 has been observed to affect the heart, brain, and the kidneys among other organs and systems. It is unclear if damage to these organs and systems follows patients after recovery from the acute infection (and is one of the questions the CoVHORT is trying to answer).
How is it spread?
The infection is primarily spread through the inhalation of respiratory droplets (small droplets of fluid that contain the virus) from an infected individual and there is some evidence that it may be also spread through smaller droplets that can linger in the air for longer periods of time. This is why it is so important to wear a snug fitting mask when in public to reduce your risk of acquiring and/or unknowingly spreading the infection. However, it can also be spread through touching objects that these droplets have landed on and then touching your face.
Who is at greatest risk of death/serious illness due to COVID-19?
Individuals of any age with some underlying conditions are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
- Chronic kidney diseases
- COPD
- Immuno-compromised individuals
- Obesity
- Serious heart condition
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Other conditions that may put you at increased risk for severe illness are:
- Asthma
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Immuno-compromised individuals
- Neurologic conditions
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Smoking
- Thalassemia
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
For more information on COVID-19, the virus that causes COVID-19, and what you need to know in order to stay safe in your communities, please visit the CDC webpage.
Want to learn about the outbreak in your communities?
State-wide Surveillance
For daily updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona, visit:
The University of Arizona
For updates on the outbreaks in The University of Arizona communities and other university updates, visit:
Arizona State University
For updates on the outbreaks in Arizona State University communities and other university updates, visit:
Northern Arizona University
For updates in Northern Arizona University communities and other university updates, visit: