Symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, but often include fever, cough, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and loss of smell and taste.
The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly when an infected person is in close contactSmall droplets and aerosols containing the virus can spread from an infected person’s nose and mouth as they breathe, cough, sneeze, sing, or speak. People who are infected can transmit the virus to another person up to two days before they themselves show symptoms, as can people who do not experience symptoms. People remain infectious for up to ten days after the onset of symptoms in moderate cases and up to 20 days in severe cases.
The standard diagnostic method is by detection of the virus’ nucleic acid by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction , transcription-mediated amplification , or by loop-mediated isothermal amplification from a nasopharyngeal swab.
Preventive measures include physical or social distancing, quarantining, ventilation of indoor spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face.
