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[Skip to content](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/#fl-main-content) [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/nfidvaccines)[Twitter](https://x.com/nfidvaccines)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-foundation-for-infectious-diseases/)[Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/nfidvideos)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nfid_vaccines/) - [Education and Events](https://www.nfid.org/education-events/) - [News and Updates](https://www.nfid.org/news-updates/) - [Partnerships](https://www.nfid.org/partnerships/) - [About NFID](https://www.nfid.org/about-nfid/) - [Support NFID](https://www.nfid.org/support-nfid/) [](https://www.nfid.org/) Menu - [Infectious Diseases](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/) - [Column 1](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/) - [Chickenpox (Varicella)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/chickenpox/) - [Chikungunya](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/chikungunya/) - [Coronaviruses (COVID-19)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/coronaviruses/) - [Cytomegalovirus (CMV)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/cytomegalovirus-cmv/) - [Dengue](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/dengue/) - [Diphtheria](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/diphtheria/) - [Ebola](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/ebola/) - [Flu (Influenza)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/flu/) - [Hepatitis](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/hepatitis/) - [Hib Disease](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/hib/) - [Column 2](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/) - [HIV/AIDS](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/hiv-aids/) - [HPV (Human Papillomavirus)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/hpv/) - [Japanese Encephalitis](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/japanese-encephalitis/) - [Measles](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/measles/) - [Meningococcal Disease](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/meningococcal/) - [Mpox](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/mpox/) - [Mumps](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/mumps/) - [Norovirus](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/norovirus/) - [Pneumococcal Disease](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/pneumococcal/) - [Polio](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/polio/) - [Column 3](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/) - [Rabies](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/rabies/) - [Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/rsv/) - [Rotavirus](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/rotavirus/) - [Rubella](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/rubella/) - [Shingles (Herpes Zoster)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/shingles/) - [Tetanus](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/tetanus/) - [Tuberculosis (TB)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/tuberculosis-tb/) - [Whooping Cough (Pertussis)](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/whooping-cough/) - [Zika](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/zika/) - [Immunization](https://www.nfid.org/immunization/) - [Handwashing](https://www.nfid.org/handwashing/) - [Hands In For Handwashing](https://www.nfid.org/hands-in-for-handwashing/) - [Resources](https://www.nfid.org/resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.nfid.org/resources/resource-library/) - [En Español](https://www.nfid.org/resources/resource-library/?_topic=spanish) - [Graphics](https://www.nfid.org/resources/graphics/) - [Contagious Chronicles](https://www.nfid.org/resources/contagious-chronicles/) - [Infectious IDeas (Podcast)](https://www.nfid.org/resources/infectious-ideas-podcast/) - [Public Service Announcements](https://www.nfid.org/resources/public-service-announcements/) - [Real Stories, Real People](https://www.nfid.org/resources/real-stories-real-people/) - [Surveys and Publications](https://www.nfid.org/resources/publications/) - [Support NFID](https://www.nfid.org/support-nfid/) - [Select Language](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/ "Global Switch") - [Search](https://www.nfid.org/ask-merl) # COVID-19 1. [Home](https://www.nfid.org/) 2. [Infectious Diseases](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/) 3. COVID-19 ### Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some may become severely ill. [Who is at greatest risk of serious illness from COVID-19?]() [*Expand*]() Although COVID-19 can affect anyone, individuals at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include the following: - Older adults - People with certain medical conditions like cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, dementia, diabetes (type 1 or type 2), Down syndrome, heart disease, HIV, liver disease, and sickle cell disease - Those living in a nursing home or long-term care facility - Obesity (body mass index \[BMI\] \>30) - Pregnant women - Smokers - Those who have a weakened immune system [Are you contagious before you develop symptoms?]() [*Expand*]() COVID-19 can be spread before symptoms develop, which can pose a problem because people who do not know they are infected may continue to go to work, school, and other public places. People who are sick and have symptoms are more likely to stay home, creating fewer opportunities for the virus to spread from one person to another. If you have COVID-19, it’s important to avoid spreading the virus to others. [How can you tell the difference between COVID-19 and a cold or influenza (flu)?]() [*Expand*]() Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. [Because the symptoms are similar to those of cold and flu, it can be difficult to distinguish between COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses](https://www.nfid.org/resource/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-flu-rsv-covid-19-and-the-common-cold/). To diagnose a potential case, healthcare professionals may use a COVID-19 diagnostic test and/or run tests to rule out flu and other infections. Individuals with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Some individuals who are infected may not have symptoms, others require ventilator support, and many have died. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include: - Fever - Cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Chills - Fatigue - Muscle pain or body aches - Headache - Sore throat - Loss of taste or smell - Congestion or runny nose - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea [What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?]() [*Expand*]() If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and you have symptoms, get tested immediately. If you have been exposed but do not have symptoms, you should wait at least 5 full days after exposure before getting tested. Testing too early can give you a false result. Getting tested for COVID-19 can help determine if treatment is appropriate to reduce your risk of severe illness as well as steps to take to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. **If you test positive for COVID-19**, contact a healthcare professional to see if antiviral treatment is right for you. In addition, stay home, manage your symptoms, and take precautions to help protect others from getting infected. If you have trouble breathing or other emergency warning signs, seek medical care immediately. You may return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours: - Your symptoms are improving overall, and - You no longer have a fever without using a fever-reducing medication [What is long COVID?]() [*Expand*]() [Long COVID](https://www.nfid.org/resource/what-is-long-covid/), also known as post-COVID conditions (PCC), includes a wide range of long-term health issues that can occur in people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The symptoms of long COVID may vary from one person to another and can last weeks, months, or even years following infection. These symptoms may be hard to explain or manage and, in some cases, can lead to disability. ### Vaccination [Who should get vaccinated?]() [*Expand*]() COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for: - Adults age 65 years and older - Children and adults who have chronic health conditions - Children age 6-23 months and adults 50-64 years of age - Older children who have or live with someone who has a chronic health condition - Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding - Residents of long-term care facilities - All adults and children with impaired immune systems due to disease (e.g., cancer or HIV) or medications they must take to treat a health condition (e.g., for organ transplantation), as well as household members and those in close contact with individuals who are immunocompromised - Anyone age 6 months and older who wants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 Sources: [American Academy of Pediatrics](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/32836/AAP-recommends-all-young-and-high-risk-children__;!!LFqOYw!tzrjs3hI9B8mOkTZ--betv2O3UtMkFdkWweDXluUqVwp1gLiyaZiTWtz3TJp0AyPeJsZqMa9fG0eZU6wsWU$), [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/08/acog-releases-updated-maternal-immunization-guidance-covid-influenza-rsv__;!!LFqOYw!tzrjs3hI9B8mOkTZ--betv2O3UtMkFdkWweDXluUqVwp1gLiyaZiTWtz3TJp0AyPeJsZqMa9fG0e5ZT2V2Y$), [Infectious Diseases Society of America](https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/idsa-2025-guidelines-on-the-use-of-vaccines-for-the-prevention-of-seasonal-covid-19-influenza-and-rsv-infections-in-immunocompromised-patients/), [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html__;!!LFqOYw!tzrjs3hI9B8mOkTZ--betv2O3UtMkFdkWweDXluUqVwp1gLiyaZiTWtz3TJp0AyPeJsZqMa9fG0eWN-ZCfc$) [Who should not get vaccinated?]() [*Expand*]() COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most people, with few exceptions: - Current vaccines are not authorized for children younger than age 6 months - People who have a [severe allergic reaction](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html) after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or have an allergy to a component in the vaccine should not receive that vaccine type and should consult a healthcare professional with expertise in allergy or immunology [If I already had COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?]() [*Expand*]() Yes, you should still get vaccinated even if you already had COVID-19. Vaccination helps the body produce more antibodies than natural infection alone. Current vaccines may better protect against current variants than earlier vaccines or natural infection. [Will COVID-19 vaccines work against new variants?]() [*Expand*]() Yes, data show that COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the US are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even with new variants. [What are common side effects from the vaccine?]() [*Expand*]() Side effects may include a sore arm, pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, fever, fatigue, or other symptoms. These symptoms are normal, should be expected, and are a sign that the body is building immunity. These side effects usually only last a few days. Over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or acetaminophen, may help relieve fever, pain, or discomfort **after** getting vaccinated—but should not be used **before** getting vaccinated. To reduce pain and discomfort in the arm, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area, and use/exercise your arm gently. [How do we know that the vaccines are safe?]() [*Expand*]() All vaccines used in the US are required to go through extensive safety testing before they are authorized or licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended for widespread use by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the start of the pandemic, billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the US and globally. All COVID-19 vaccines continue to undergo extensive safety monitoring, including using several reporting systems to ensure the [safety of COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html). Serious side effects from the vaccines are rare and are significantly milder than the diseases they prevent. [Is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding?]() [*Expand*]() Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is safe for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant to prevent them from getting severely ill with COVID-19. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects infants from severe COVID-19 before they are old enough to be vaccinated. There has been no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are harmful to either women who are breastfeeding or to their babies. [Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with chronic health conditions?]() [*Expand*]() Multiple studies show that older adults and those with certain medical conditions—including cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, dementia, diabetes (type 1 or type 2), Down syndrome, heart disease, HIV, liver disease, and sickle cell disease—are at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 and should be vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines remain the best way to prevent hospitalization, long-term health outcomes, and death. [Do COVID-19 vaccines interfere with other medications?]() [*Expand*]() No, COVID-19 vaccines do not interfere with most prescription and over-the-counter drugs. When prescribed, antibiotics may be taken before or after COVID-19 vaccination. Talk with a healthcare professional if you have specific questions about medication you are taking. [Can I still get COVID-19 after getting vaccinated?]() [*Expand*]() Although vaccination helps protect against severe disease and related complications including hospitalization and death, iy may not be as effective in preventing mild COVID-19 infections. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination, so it is possible to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 before or after vaccination. Since COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live virus, it is not possible to get the disease from the vaccine. Updated October 2025 Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration ### Related Resources  Surveys and Publications ## [2025 National Survey on Respiratory Diseases](https://www.nfid.org/resource/2025-national-survey-on-respiratory-diseases/ "2025 National Survey on Respiratory Diseases") The 2025 national survey examines attitudes and behaviors regarding flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease. [Learn More](https://www.nfid.org/resource/2025-national-survey-on-respiratory-diseases/ "2025 National Survey on Respiratory Diseases")  Graphic ## [Respiratory Immunization Graphics](https://www.nfid.org/resource/respiratory-immunization-graphics/ "Respiratory Immunization Graphics") Graphics and sample social posts to help raise awareness about preventing COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease [Learn More](https://www.nfid.org/resource/respiratory-immunization-graphics/ "Respiratory Immunization Graphics")  FAQs & Fact Sheets ## [What Is an Antiviral?](https://www.nfid.org/resource/what-is-an-antiviral/ "What Is an Antiviral?") Overview of antivirals—what they are, how they work, and what diseases they help treat [Learn More](https://www.nfid.org/resource/what-is-an-antiviral/ "What Is an Antiviral?") - 1 - [2](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/page/2/) - [3](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/page/3/) - … - [12](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/page/12/) - [Next »](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/page/2/) [View All](https://www.nfid.org/resources/resource-library/?_disease=coronaviruses) ### Related Posts  April 6, 2026 ## [News Round-Up: Public Health in Flux](https://www.nfid.org/news-round-up-public-health-in-flux/ "News Round-Up: Public Health in Flux") [Learn More](https://www.nfid.org/news-round-up-public-health-in-flux/ "News Round-Up: Public Health in Flux")  February 12, 2026 ## [5 Reasons Why Vaccines Are Good for Your Heart](https://www.nfid.org/5-reasons-why-vaccines-are-good-for-your-heart-2/ "5 Reasons Why Vaccines Are Good for Your Heart") [Learn More](https://www.nfid.org/5-reasons-why-vaccines-are-good-for-your-heart-2/ "5 Reasons Why Vaccines Are Good for Your Heart")  February 5, 2026 ## [News Round-Up: Vaccines, Measles, Flu, and COVID-19](https://www.nfid.org/news-round-up-vaccines-measles-flu-and-covid-19/ "News Round-Up: Vaccines, Measles, Flu, and COVID-19") [Learn More](https://www.nfid.org/news-round-up-vaccines-measles-flu-and-covid-19/ "News Round-Up: Vaccines, Measles, Flu, and COVID-19") - 1 - [2](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/paged-2/2/) - [3](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/paged-2/3/) - … - [36](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/paged-2/36/) - [Next »](https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/paged-2/2/) [View All](https://www.nfid.org/news-updates/blog-articles/?_disease=coronaviruses) ## Subscribe to NFID Updates [Subscribe](https://nfid.app.neoncrm.com/forms/subscription-form) [](https://www.nfid.org/) 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 750 Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301.656.0003 [NFID Facebook Profile](http://www.facebook.com/nfidvaccines) [NFID Twitter Profile](http://www.twitter.com/nfidvaccines) [NFID LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-foundation-for-infectious-diseases/) [NFID Youtube Account Link](http://www.youtube.com/nfidvideos) [NFID Instagram Account](https://www.instagram.com/nfid_vaccines/) 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. 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Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. This website is designed to provide education to the public and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. All information on this site is for general purposes only, is based on US recommendations, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a qualified healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns about your health. **Federal EIN:** 23-7198530