What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It mainly affects the respiratory system but can also impact other parts of the body. People experience it differently, ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe breathing difficulties requiring hospital care.
Acute COVID-19
Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after exposure. Most cases are mild to moderate and can be managed at home.
Long COVID
Some people have symptoms for more than 12 weeks after the initial infection. This may include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, or chest discomfort.
Reinfection
It is possible to catch COVID-19 more than once. Immunity from previous infection or vaccination reduces the severity of illness but does not guarantee full protection.
What Causes COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through:
- Breathing in droplets or aerosols from an infected person
- Direct close contact
- Contaminated surfaces (less common)
- Poor ventilation indoors
Risk is increased by:
- Crowded indoor spaces
- Prolonged exposure to infected individuals
- Weak immune systems
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease
- Smoking or vaping
What Are the Common Symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Headache
- New loss of smell or taste
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Dizziness
- Poor appetite in children
How Is COVID-19 Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and confirmed with a COVID-19 test.
During an online GP consultation we can:
- Assess your symptoms
- Advise whether testing is needed
- Guide you on safe isolation
- Recommend treatment and symptom relief
- Provide private prescriptions if appropriate
- Advise if an in-person assessment or hospital review is needed
How Long Does COVID-19 Last?
- Most people recover within 5 to 10 days
- Fatigue and mild symptoms may persist for several weeks
- Long COVID symptoms can last for months and may require ongoing management
Is COVID-19 Contagious?
Yes. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact.
To reduce the risk of spreading it:
- Stay home while unwell and follow current isolation guidance
- Wash hands regularly
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Keep well-ventilated indoors
How to Feel Better and Recover Quickly
Self-Care at Home
- Rest and avoid overexertion
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever, sore throat and muscle aches
- Keep well hydrated
- Warm saltwater gargles for throat discomfort
- Maintain good ventilation at home
- Follow isolation guidance
- Monitor symptoms, especially breathing
Antiviral Treatment
Antiviral medications may be offered to people at higher risk of severe disease, such as:
- Those with immune suppression
- People undergoing cancer treatment
- Individuals with severe chronic conditions
- Older adults
These medications are most effective when taken early.
Managing Breathlessness at Home
- Sit upright and use slow, steady breathing techniques
- Avoid lying flat
- Seek urgent medical help if breathlessness worsens
Treating Long COVID
Management may include:
- Gradually increasing physical activity
- Managing sleep, stress and nutrition
- Breathing exercises
- Referral to long COVID or rehabilitation services
- Support for fatigue and cognitive symptoms
When Referral Is Needed
Referral may be required if:
- Symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks and affect daily life
- Ongoing breathlessness develops
- Oxygen levels are abnormal
- There are heart or lung complications
- Symptoms suggest long COVID
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Go to A&E or urgent care if you have:
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue lips or face
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe confusion
- Feeling faint or collapsing
- Very high fever not responding to medication
- Symptoms in a baby under 3 months
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- Signs of dehydration, especially in children or older adults
Call 999 if symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
How Dr.Online UK Can Help
We offer:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Expert assessment and clear guidance
- Private prescriptions when clinically appropriate
- Advice on testing, isolation and return to work
- Referral letters for post-COVID clinics or further investigations
- Support for managing long COVID symptoms
