Ano ang COVID-19?

It spreads mainly through virus-containing particles released when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms and severity vary, and someone can pass on the virus even when symptoms are mild or absent.

COVID-19 can present with fever, cough, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, headache, fatigue, body aches, altered smell or taste, nausea, diarrhoea, or a general feeling of being unwell. The condition presents differently from person to person, so symptoms alone may not distinguish it from another respiratory infection.

Some people develop pneumonia or worsening breathing. Others continue to experience fatigue, breathlessness, concentration problems, sleep disruption, or altered smell after the initial infection; ongoing symptoms may need assessment for Long COVID or another cause.

Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, and use fever or pain medicine only as directed and if it is suitable for you. Follow current local testing and stay-home guidance, because recommendations can change with public-health conditions.

While unwell, improve indoor ventilation, avoid close contact with people at higher risk of severe illness, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and use a well-fitting mask when close contact cannot be avoided. If you have health conditions or take immune-suppressing medicine, contact a clinician early to discuss whether time-sensitive treatment is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical advice if breathing is becoming harder, fever or weakness is worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, you are passing much less urine, or symptoms improve and then return more severely. People at higher risk should seek advice earlier rather than waiting for marked deterioration.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips or skin, new confusion, collapse, inability to wake or stay awake, or persistent chest pain or pressure. Tell the service that COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed so it can guide safe arrival and care.

Ask whether testing would change your care, which symptom medicines are compatible with your conditions, and whether you qualify for early antiviral treatment. If symptoms persist, describe how they affect breathing, sleep, thinking, mobility, work, and daily tasks so follow-up can be tailored.