COVID comes from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through tiny particles in the air that an infected person breathes out. These particles can stay in the air for hours, even after the person has left the room. You can catch the virus from someone who looks completely healthy, because many people spread it before they feel sick.
COVID is not just another cold. A first infection might feel mild, but the virus can still harm the body. It enters the bloodstream and can reach different organs. It can affect the brain and lead to memory problems or trouble focusing. It can also raise the risk of long-term health issues, including heart problems and weaker immunity. Anyone, at any age, can face these problems even after a light or silent infection.
Long COVID is the name for the lasting health problems that can show up after a COVID infection. These problems can affect the heart, lungs, brain, stomach, skin, hormones, and more. Many people with Long COVID deal with fatigue, brain fog, and pain that make daily life hard. Each new infection raises the chance of developing Long COVID. There is no cure for it yet, so the best protection is to avoid getting infected.
COVID Symptoms
COVID can show up in many ways. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Red or irritated eyes
- Fever
- Loss of smell
- Cough
A person can spread the virus days before symptoms show. Some never feel sick at all but can still pass it to others.
COVID Prevention in 2025
If you want to lower your risk, here are the steps that help the most:
- Wear a well-fitted N95 in indoor public places
- Avoid crowded rooms with poor air flow
- Improve air quality with ventilation or HEPA purifiers
- Stay up to date on vaccines to cut the risk of severe illness
- Use COVID tests before gatherings or after a possible exposure, and remember that early test results can be false negatives
- Stay home when you feel sick or test positive
- Protect yourself by avoiding repeat infections