What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, of the group of coronaviruses, which often manifests itself with symptoms of acute respiratory infection.
Its symptoms may be similar to those of the flu, or a more serious condition such as pneumonia.
Vaccination against COVID-19 has been important to prevent the onset of severe disease, hospitalization and death from infection. Learn more at Flu and COVID-19 vaccination.
How is the SARS-CoV-2 virus transmitted?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted through:
- Direct contact:
- spread of respiratory droplets produced when, for example, an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and can be inhaled or land in the mouth, nose or eyes of people who are nearby (< 2 meters)
- Indirect contact:
- contact of the hands with a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then contact with the mouth, nose or eyes or by inhaling aerosols containing the virus
What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection are:
- fever (temperature ≥ 38.0ºC)
- cough
- muscle aches and pains
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
- total loss of smell (anosmia) or partial loss of smell (hyposmia)
- absence of taste (ageusia) or disturbance of taste (dysgeusia)
- diarrhea
- nausea/vomiting
- sore throat
- rhinorrhea and/or nasal congestion
- fatigue
What is the incubation period of the disease?
The incubation period (time elapsed between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms) is usually 4 to 5 days, usually ranging between 2 and 14 days.
What is the period of infectiousness?
A person is considered to be able to transmit the virus about 48 hours before the onset of symptoms.
The period of infectivity can vary according to the variants of the virus and according to the state of the disease and immunity, and these are generally more infectious when they have symptoms. It can last up to 10 days after the onset of symptoms or, in the case of people with chronic diseases or severe immunosuppression, about 20 days.
What are the main complications of COVID-19?
In more severe cases, COVID-19 can cause complications, including:
- post-COVID-19 condition, i.e. late or persistent symptoms of the disease, usually 3 months after the onset of the disease, and lasting at least 2 months
- acute respiratory failure with severe pneumonia
- heart and other organ failure
- death
Which groups are at risk of developing more serious complications?
COVID-19 can have more severe repercussions for people with:
- age 60 years or older
- Pregnant
- severe immunosuppression
- Chronic diseases
Is it possible to prevent COVID-19?
yes. To prevent COVID-19, the following public health measures are suggested:
- Wear a mask in places with a large concentration of people where distancing is not possible, especially to more vulnerable people or in contact with infected people
- Adopt respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands, or use an alcohol solution with at least 60% alcohol
- Wash and/or disinfect hands frequently
- Clean and disinfect equipment and surfaces, especially those that are touched the most
- Maintain physical distancing and avoid closed or crowded environments
- Keep the spaces ventilated, preferably through natural ventilation, by opening doors and/or windows
- vaccination
Is there a vaccine against COVID-19?
yes. Several approved vaccines are available and are being administered according to the vaccination plan defined by the health authorities.
Learn more at Flu and COVID-19 vaccination.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
The diagnosis of COVID-19 can be made after clinical medical evaluation and by performing one of the following tests:
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): for the detection of RNA of the virus, made with samples collected through a swab from the nose and/or throat region
- Rapid Antigen Test (TRAg): these are proximity tests done with samples collected through a swab from the nose and/or throat region
Like other analyses and complementary means of diagnosis, the COVID-19 test is reimbursed 100% upon medical prescription issued at a health unit of the National Health Service.
What is the treatment for COVID-19?
Most people have mild symptoms and do not progress to severe disease. In these cases, rest and fluid intake are recommended to stay hydrated.
Medication for symptoms such as antipyretics (fever medication) among others may be recommended.
In cases of acute illness, where there is a clinical risk of progression to severe disease, hospitalisation or death, treatment is tailored to the individual characteristics of the patients and may include different types of medicines.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)