To stop the virus from spreading, it’s important to understand how it spreads. You can protect yourself and others by staying at least 1 meter away from people, wearing a mask that fits well, and washing your hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. When it’s your turn, get vaccinated and follow advice from local health authorities.
The virus spreads when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, sings, or breathes out small drops of liquid from their mouth or nose. These can be larger droplets or tiny aerosols. It’s crucial to cover your mouth when you cough, for example with your elbow, and stay home and away from others if you feel sick until you get better.
Protect yourself and those around you:
- Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and follow local guidance on vaccination.
- Keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact.
- Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.
- Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly.
- If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.
COVID-19 vaccines
WHO recommends a simplified single-dose regime for primary immunisation for most COVID-19 vaccines which would improve acceptance and uptake and provide adequate protection at a time when most people have had at least one prior infection. Available data suggest the monovalent Omicron XBB vaccines provide modestly enhanced protection compared to bivalent variant-containing vaccines and monovalent index virus vaccines.
COVID-19 Tests
Anyone with symptoms such as acute onset of fever and cough should be tested, wherever possible, to ensure that they receive appropriate clinical care. People who do not have symptoms but have had close contact with someone who is, or may be, infected may also consider testing. Contact your local health guidelines and follow their guidance.
There are two main types of tests that can confirm whether you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are the most accurate tests for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Molecular tests detect virus in the sample by amplifying viral genetic material to detectable levels.
- Rapid antigen tests (sometimes known as RATs or RDTs) detect viral proteins (known as antigens). RDTs are a simpler and faster option than molecular tests and are available for testing by trained operators or by the individual themselves (sometimes called self-tests). They perform best when there is more virus circulating in the community and when sampled from an individual during the time they are most infectious, generally within the first 5–7 days following symptom onset.
Samples for both types of tests are collected from the nose and/or throat with a swab.
Have a look at WHO’s What you need to know about COVID-19 Self-Testing Infographic.
COVID-19 symptoms
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
- fever
- cough
- tiredness
- loss of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms:
- sore throat
- headache
- aches and pains
- diarrhoea
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
- red or irritated eyes.
Serious symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
- chest pain.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
COVID-19 Treatments
There are a number of treatments for COVID-19. They should all be given along with current standard care for COVID-19, including oxygen and supportive care. Although health care options for patients with COVID-19 are improving, preventing the spread of the disease is important including getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as it’s your turn is the best way to reduce your risk of contracting the disease or developing severe symptoms.
- Antibiotics – Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
- Corticosteroids – Corticosteroids work by reducing the overstimulation of the immune system that occurs with severe COVID-19. They are recommended for patients with severe or critical COVID-19 but should not be given to patients in non-severe cases. These medicines are administered as a pill or injection for a course of 7–10 days.
- Monoclonal antibody therapy – These drugs are antibodies similar to the ones produced by our bodies when we are in contact with the COVID-19 virus, and they respond by blocking the virus’s ability to infect our body’s cells. This therapy is recommended for patients who have non-severe COVID-19 and are at risk of hospitalization, and those with severe or critical COVID-19 who do not have antibodies against the virus. Monoclonal antibody therapy is administered intravenously by a health care worker in a clinical setting.
- IL-6 receptor blockers – Like corticosteroids, IL-6 receptor blockers work by reducing the overstimulation of the immune system seen in patients with severe or critical COVID-19. They should be administered as soon as the patient is diagnosed through a single dose given intravenously over one hour.
There are also many trials of potential drugs to treat COVID-19 have been completed, are in progress or are being planned.
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What to do if you feel unwell
If you feel unwell, here’s what to do.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Call by telephone first and follow the directions of your local health authority.
- Know the full range of symptoms of COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, tiredness and loss of taste or smell. Less common symptoms include aches and pains, headache, sore throat, red or irritated eyes, diarrhoea, a skin rash or discolouration of fingers or toes.
- Stay home and self-isolate for 10 days from symptom onset, plus three days after symptoms cease. Call your health care provider or hotline for advice. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house or have someone near you, wear a properly fitted mask to avoid infecting others.
- Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities. Local and national authorities and public health units are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Avoiding Transmission
The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity.
- Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.
- Stay at least 1 metre apart from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick.
- Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible or when in poorly ventilated settings.
- Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub. - Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.