COVID-19

Overview

COVID-19 (Coronavirus-2019) is the disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2.) Referred to as a new or “novel” type of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 had not been seen in humans before the first diagnosed cases in 2019. With no prior exposure, humans had not developed any immunity to the infectious virus.

Recent research confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through particles which are aerosolized and range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. Droplets that you project out of your mouth or nose when you breathe, cough, sneeze, sing or speak can spread fairly quickly in poorly ventilated areas. A person can pass the virus to others before they are showing any symptoms or feeling sick themselves; this is called asymptomatic spread.

COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths and severe illnesses around the world, and in the USA is responsible for more than 800 thousand deaths according to the World Health Organization. Even those who do not end up hospitalized have experienced long term side effects or symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, loss of taste or smell, chest pain, foggy brain and more.

How the COVID-19 virus is transmitted

The information in these modules is not intended to replace the services and advice from a medical or mental health professional.

Learn More

Your self-care starts here! Take a look at these links.

What are the common symptoms of COVID-19? Visit the CDC list of COVID-19 Symptoms.
Free, confidential COVID-19 testing is available to every Californian. Find out where to get tested for COVID-19 in your area, including information about at-home testing.
Covid Vaccination: There have been drastic changes to our lives since the pandemic started but there is hope. Physicians and scientists continue to work on effective methods to treat severe illness caused by COVID-19. In December 2020, the FDA granted the emergency approval of the first COVID-19 vaccines and they have been an effective way to prevent hospitalizations, severe illness and save lives for all age groups.
For college students, COVID-19 vaccines and regular testing have been an effective way to stay safe, healthy and get back to attending in-person classes. Many California colleges are now mandating COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff who will participate in on-campus learning.

Have questions about COVID-19 vaccines? Here’s where to start. Get the facts about vaccines, boosters and their effectiveness on the highly contagious variants of COVID-19.
Get the most out of masking: Updated guidance for the use of face masks.

Where is the Closest Help to Me?

Although this course has helpful information, it can't replace the face-to-face time we need sometimes. Need local help? Locate a health and mental health center near you.

Explore More

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Learn about Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19.
Learn More About mRNA Vaccines
How does PCR testing for COVID-19 work?
My COVID-19 Vaccine Record: You can now access a digital copy of your vaccination record if you got vaccinated in California. If you want to share your proof of vaccination, you can either use the digital version or the card you were given at the time of your vaccination. See Vaccine Record Guidelines & Standards
For the latest information about COVID-19 in California, visit California Department of Public Health.

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