Several years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but the virus continues to circulate, mutate, and cause outbreaks in different countries. Despite the abundance of information, many people still have questions: how to distinguish a coronavirus from a cold, whether to vaccinate, what to do at home, and when to see a doctor?
In this article we have collected the most frequent and topical questions about COVID-19 – with verified answers based on the recommendations of WHO, European medical agencies. In simple words and without panic, we tell you what is important to know about symptoms, prevention, vaccines and treatment of the coronavirus in 2024.
- How is COVID-19 transmitted?
The virus is transmitted from person to person through:
- droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking,
- touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face,
- in some cases, through aerosols in poorly ventilated areas.
- What are the first symptoms of COVID-19?
Common ones are:
- fever (temperature of 37.5 °C or more),
- dry cough,
- fatigue, weakness,
- loss of taste or smell.
Occasional: sore throat, diarrhea, headache, stuffy nose.
- How long is the incubation period?
Usually 1 to 6 days, with a maximum of 14 days. The average is 5 to 6 days.
- Can I get infected from an asymptomatic carrier?
Yes, a person can transmit the virus even if they do not feel sick. This is especially true in the early stage of the disease.
- How many days should I stay in isolation after a positive test?
Usually – at least 5-7 days after the appearance of symptoms, provided there is no fever for 24 hours without antipyretics. But it is better to check with regional recommendations.
- How to protect yourself and others from infection?
- Wear a mask in public places.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Ventilate the room.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Get immunizations, especially if you are at risk.
- Do I need to wear a mask after vaccination?
Yes, especially indoors and when in contact with people, because the vaccine does not eliminate the possibility of infection and transmission to others.
- Is it possible to be reinfected with COVID-19?
Yes. Re-infection is possible, especially with new variants of the virus. Vaccination and past infection do not give 100% immunity.
- What vaccines are used and how effective are they?
Other drugs are used in Europe, mainly those approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA):
- Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) – mRNA vaccine, 90-95% efficacy against severe forms and death.
- Spikevax (Moderna) – mRNA vaccine, similar to Pfizer in efficacy.
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) – vector vaccine, 60-70% efficacy against infection, 90%+ against severe course.
- Nuvaxovid (Novavax) – protein vaccine with adjuvant, recommended for people with contraindications to mRNA vaccines.
- As well as new adapted versions of vaccines for Omicron variants.
All of the above vaccines have proven to be highly effective against severe forms, hospitalizations and mortality, especially in at-risk groups.
- How is COVID-19 treated at home?
- Bed rest, plenty of water.
- Paracetamol for fever.
- Monitoring of saturation (pulse oximeter).
- Consult a doctor at the first symptoms of deterioration.
- When should an ambulance be called?
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Confusion.
- Oxygen saturation below 94%.
12 What is “prolonged COVID”?
It is the continuation or return of symptoms 4-12 weeks or more after an acute period of illness. May include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and trouble concentrating.