About
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being exposed but typically show up after 3-5 days. Symptoms may change with new variants and your vaccination status. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Some people, including those with minor or no symptoms, will develop Post-COVID Conditions – also called "Long COVID."
Viruses are constantly changing, including the virus that causes COVID-19. These changes occur over time and can lead to the emergence of variants that may have new characteristics, including different ways of spreading. Slowing the spread of the virus, by protecting yourself and others, can help slow new variants from developing. For more specific information about COVID-19 in West Virginia, please visit the Pan-Respiratory Dashboard at Breathe Easy Dashboard.
Transmission
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others' eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch.
Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.
Risk Factors for COVID-19
Some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. This includes people who:
- are older
- are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system)
- have certain disabilities or
- have underlying health conditions
Understanding your COVID-19 risk and the risks that might affect others can help you make decisions to protect yourself and others.
Call a doctor or 911 right away if you or a loved one has:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or pressure in your chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Lips, nails, or skin appearing pale, gray, or blue
Even people with no or mild symptoms can develop long COVID, which can cause lasting health problems.
Prevention
Preventing severe outcomes of COVID-19 illness reduces people's risk of developing Long COVID. 4These severe outcomes include hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, or intubation.
Healthcare providers can advise their patients on protecting themselves against severe COVID-19 by:
- Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine
- Getting COVID-19 treatment and preventive medication, if eligible
- Practicing good hygiene
- Taking steps for cleaner air
Please visit the CDC's website on COVID-19 vaccinations for more details.
For more guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations, please refer to American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetrics of Gynecology (ACOG).
Surveillance
- COVID-19 Case Definition
- COVID-19 Associated Pediatric Mortality Position Statement (Case Definition)
- COVID-19 Associated Pediatric Mortality Case Report Form
Reportable Disease Rule
Per the West Virginia Reportable Rule (WV Code 16-3-1; 64CSR7), COVID-19 laboratory results should be reported within one week to the state health department via electronic laboratory reporting through the West Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WVEDSS).
For Local Health Departments
The COVID-19 outbreak toolkit has now been replaced by the Acute Respiratory Illness Outbreak toolkit.
