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Living Well DC
Living Well DC

COVID-19

Image of arm ready for a vaccine shot

COVID-19 is a disease that affects the lungs which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus found in 2019. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person through breath droplets made when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who have COVID-19 may not have signs of sickness. For people who do have signs of sickness, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Adults 65 years and older and people with other health issues, such as diabetes, are at higher risk. Everyone eligible for the vaccine should get COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Key Facts

  • The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread through breath droplets when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • Signs of illness, such as fever, chills, and cough, may appear 2-14 days after someone comes in contact with COVID-19.
  • Some people who are sick with COVID-19 may not have symptoms, which is why all people should help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Any person can become sick from COVID-19, but older adults and people with on-going health issues are at a higher risk.
  • If you test positive or negative for any COVID-19 test, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others.

Tips to Stop from Getting COVID-19

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are 5 or older. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, work well, and free!” to “Get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are 5 or older. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and work well.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not on hand, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid being close to other people outside your home. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from others.
  • Wear a mask in public, even if you don’t feel sick. The nose and mouth cover will help protect yourself and others as the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a napkin or the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean and wash often touched places and items daily. This involves tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, and sinks.
  • Stay home if you have signs of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing
  • Seek emergency medical care if you develop severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.​

Related Resources and Helpful Links:

COVID 19 Vaccines and Boosters (Korean)

COVID 19 Vaccines and Boosters (Chinese)

COVID 19 Vaccines and Boosters (Amharic)

COVID 19 Vaccines and Boosters (French)

COVID 19 Vaccines and Boosters (Spanish)