COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in late 2019. India saw major waves of infection during 2020 and 2021; the illness is now endemic, circulating year-round with periodic rises. Most current infections are mild — though people who are elderly, unvaccinated, or have chronic conditions can still develop serious disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms usually appear 1-5 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Body aches, headache, tiredness
• Loss of smell or taste (less common with recent variants)
• Breathlessness — a warning sign needing medical attention
• Some people have digestive symptoms (diarrhoea, nausea)

When to seek urgent care

Dial 112 or go to hospital for:

• Breathlessness, especially at rest or with minimal effort
• Oxygen saturation below 94% on a home pulse oximeter
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or unusual drowsiness
• Blue lips or face
• Inability to drink fluids or persistent vomiting

Who is at higher risk of severe disease?

• Older adults
• Unvaccinated people
• People with chronic conditions — diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, cancer, obesity
• People on immune-suppressing medicines
• Pregnant women

Care at home

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Paracetamol for fever and body aches
• Monitor oxygen with a home pulse oximeter if available, especially if high-risk
• Isolate from others for 5-7 days from symptom onset
• Seek medical help if symptoms worsen

Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe disease. Boosters are recommended for those at higher risk. Vaccines are available through government centres and private hospitals across India.

Prevention

• Vaccination and recommended boosters
• Mask in crowded indoor spaces during outbreak surges
• Wash hands; ventilate rooms
• Stay home when unwell
• Cover coughs and sneezes