Talking Points
What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages, such as the nose, mouth, and throat.
- Anyone can get COVID-19. Some people are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 than others, including:
- People age 65 years or older
- People who are unvaccinated or not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations
- People with certain medical conditions
- COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, including dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, head and body aches, and loss of taste and/or smell.
COVID-19 Transmission
- A person with COVID-19 can spread the virus when they cough, sneeze, or speak with others from a close distance.
- COVID-19 is more likely to spread in poorly ventilated areas and crowded indoor settings.
- Less commonly, you can also catch COVID-19 if you touch a surface contaminated with the virus and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Prevention
- Vaccination: People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations have a lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 infection than people who are unvaccinated or have not completed the recommended doses. Learn more about the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
- Other Forms of Prevention: In addition to vaccination, other ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include staying home when you’re sick, washing your hands, and wearing a mask.
COVID-19 Treatment
- For people not at risk for severe illness: If your symptoms are mild, stay home and rest, drink water, and maintain nutrition until your symptoms subside. Talk to a healthcare provider about taking an over-the-counter medication, such as a fever reducer or pain reliever.
- For people at risk for severe illness: There are several prescription antiviral medications available to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 if you are at risk for severe illness. These medications must be prescribed by a healthcare provider within five to seven days of symptoms starting. If you are at higher risk for severe illness and think you have COVID-19, talk to a healthcare provider about testing and/or treatment right away, even if your symptoms are mild.
- For people experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms, get emergency help right away. Severe symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain or pressure, sudden confusion, trouble staying awake or waking up, and gray or blue skin, lips, or nails.
