🦠 Bug of the Month: COVID-19
Along with the fall leaves and cooler mornings, cold and flu season has arrived, and COVID-19 is part of the lineup. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can range from mild, cold-like symptoms to serious illness. Most people recover at home, but older adults and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
What to watch for
Symptoms vary and may appear 2–14 days after exposure. Common ones include:
When to seek care
Seek emergency attention for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. If you’re at higher risk and develop symptoms or test positive, contact your provider promptly. Treatments are available, and some work best when started within the first few days of illness.
How it spreads
COVID-19 spreads primarily through the air. When an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes, they release tiny respiratory particles that others can inhale. These can build up indoors, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, so you don’t have to be right next to someone to be exposed. People can also spread the virus before they feel sick, and some never develop symptoms.
Protecting yourself and others
A few simple habits go a long way. Stay home when you’re sick, keep the air moving by opening windows or using a suitable air purifier, and wash your hands often. If you develop symptoms, consider testing, keeping in mind that a negative rapid antigen test doesn’t always rule out infection. Your provider can also help you understand vaccination and treatment options, especially if you’re at higher risk.
What the CDC currently recommends
If you’re sick, stay home and away from others. You can return to normal activities once, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms have been improving overall and you’ve been fever-free without fever-reducing medication. For the next 5 days, take added precautions such as wearing a well-fitting mask, improving ventilation, keeping some distance from others, and practicing good hygiene.
After an exposure, the CDC’s general public guidance doesn’t call for a routine, fixed quarantine. Instead, monitor for symptoms, consider testing, and take extra care around higher-risk people. Workplace, healthcare, or public health requirements may differ.
On vaccines, the CDC recommends a 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine for people 6 months and older based on individual decision-making. That means you decide together with a healthcare professional, weighing your personal benefits and risks. The benefit is greatest for people at increased risk of severe illness.
Resources
