COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The disease first emerged in late 2019 and subsequently caused a global pandemic that transformed healthcare, travel, workplaces and everyday life around the world.
COVID-19 is no longer managed everywhere as the emergency it was during the early years of the pandemic, but the virus has not disappeared.
SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate, evolve and cause illness. Most people now develop mild or moderate disease, but serious illness, hospitalisation, death and long COVID can still occur, particularly among people at increased risk.
Understanding COVID-19 today therefore requires a different approach from the advice commonly given in 2020.
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019.
It is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus that primarily affects the respiratory system but can also affect other parts of the body.
Coronaviruses are a broad family of viruses.
Some cause relatively mild respiratory illnesses, while others have caused severe diseases such as:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS;
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS; and
COVID-19.
COVID-19 varies considerably between individuals.
Some people have no noticeable symptoms.
Others experience an illness similar to a cold or influenza.
A smaller proportion develop severe disease involving the lungs or other organs.
Is COVID-19 Still a Pandemic?
COVID-19 entered a different phase several years ago.
WHO declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and characterised it as a pandemic in March 2020.
On 5 May 2023, WHO ended the Public Health Emergency of International Concern designation.
That decision did not mean SARS-CoV-2 had disappeared.
Instead, COVID-19 became an established and continuing global health issue requiring long-term management rather than the same emergency measures used during the early pandemic.
Countries increasingly manage COVID-19 alongside other respiratory infections within routine healthcare and surveillance systems.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 spreads mainly when an infected person releases virus-containing respiratory particles into the air.
These particles are produced when people:
breathe;
speak;
cough;
sneeze;
sing; or
exercise.
Another person may become infected by breathing in those particles or when infectious particles come into direct contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
Risk is generally greater when people spend prolonged periods:
close together;
indoors;
in crowded places; or
in poorly ventilated environments.
Is COVID-19 Airborne?
SARS-CoV-2 can spread through respiratory particles that remain suspended in the air.
This means transmission can occur beyond the larger respiratory droplets emphasised during the earliest stages of the pandemic.
Ventilation therefore matters.
Opening windows where practical, improving indoor ventilation and reducing crowding can lower transmission risk.
Can COVID-19 Spread From Surfaces?
Transmission from contaminated surfaces is possible, but it is not considered the main way COVID-19 spreads.
The old emphasis on repeatedly disinfecting groceries, packages and every touched surface is therefore no longer appropriate as the centre of COVID prevention.
Normal hand hygiene remains useful, particularly before eating and after coughing, sneezing or touching potentially contaminated material.
But reducing exposure to infectious respiratory particles is generally more important.
Can Someone Spread COVID-19 Without Symptoms?
Yes.
A person can transmit SARS-CoV-2:
before symptoms develop;
while symptomatic; or
without ever developing noticeable symptoms.
People tend to be especially infectious around the period shortly before symptoms begin and during the early days of illness.
This is why someone who feels only mildly unwell can still transmit the virus.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms can vary according to the person, immunity, previous infections, vaccination history and circulating variant.
Common symptoms can include:
fever or chills;
sore throat;
cough;
blocked or runny nose;
fatigue;
headache;
muscle or body aches.
Other symptoms may include:
shortness of breath;
loss or change in taste or smell;
nausea;
vomiting;
diarrhoea.
Loss of taste or smell became particularly well known during the earlier pandemic, but it is not present in every infection.
How Soon Do Symptoms Appear?
The incubation period has changed somewhat as SARS-CoV-2 has evolved.
Earlier strains were commonly associated with incubation periods extending up to about 14 days.
More recent Omicron-lineage viruses generally have shorter incubation periods.
This means symptoms often develop within several days of infection rather than routinely taking two weeks.
Can COVID-19 Be Distinguished From Flu or a Cold by Symptoms Alone?
Often, no.
COVID-19 can resemble:
influenza;
the common cold;
respiratory syncytial virus infection;
other respiratory infections.
Symptoms alone may therefore be insufficient to determine which infection is responsible.
Testing can be useful when knowing the diagnosis would affect:
treatment;
isolation decisions;
contact with vulnerable people;
healthcare management.
Who Is Most at Risk of Severe COVID-19?
Anyone can develop severe disease, but risk increases substantially in certain groups.
These include:
older adults;
people with cardiovascular disease;
people with diabetes;
people with chronic respiratory disease;
people with severe obesity;
people with cancer;
people with weakened immune systems;
people with certain chronic kidney or liver conditions.
Risk generally increases with age and with the number or severity of underlying health conditions.
How Is COVID-19 Diagnosed?
COVID-19 can be confirmed using tests that detect SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The two major categories are:
Molecular tests
These include PCR and other nucleic acid amplification tests.
They detect genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 and are generally highly sensitive.
Rapid antigen tests
Antigen tests detect viral proteins.
They can provide results quickly and are often suitable for home or point-of-care testing.
However, a negative antigen result does not always rule out infection, particularly very early in illness.
Repeating an antigen test may sometimes be appropriate when symptoms strongly suggest COVID-19.
Should Everyone Test Whenever They Have a Cold?
Not necessarily.
The value of testing depends on circumstances.
Testing may be especially useful when:
the person is at high risk of severe COVID-19;
early antiviral treatment may be appropriate;
the person lives with or cares for someone highly vulnerable;
symptoms are significant;
diagnosis will affect clinical care;
an outbreak is occurring in a healthcare or institutional setting.
High-risk people should not delay seeking medical advice while waiting several days to see whether symptoms disappear because some treatments must begin early.
How Is Mild COVID-19 Treated?
Many people with mild COVID-19 recover at home.
Supportive care can include:
adequate fluids;
rest;
appropriate nutrition;
medicines such as paracetamol for fever or pain when suitable.
People should monitor their symptoms.
Routine antibiotics should not be used simply because someone has COVID-19.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not SARS-CoV-2.
WHO's current clinical guidance recommends against empirical antibiotics for non-severe COVID-19 when there is low suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection.
Are There Specific Treatments for COVID-19?
Yes.
The old statement that “there is no specific treatment for COVID-19” is outdated.
Specific antiviral treatments are available for selected patients, particularly people at increased risk of developing severe disease.
Treatment choice depends on:
age;
underlying health conditions;
severity;
kidney and liver function;
pregnancy status;
medicines the person already takes;
how long symptoms have been present;
local availability.
Paxlovid
Nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir, commonly known as Paxlovid, is an oral antiviral treatment used for eligible patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at increased risk of severe disease.
Treatment needs to begin early, generally within five days of symptom onset.
Ritonavir interacts with many medicines.
A healthcare professional therefore needs to review the patient's medication list before treatment.
People should not buy or take Paxlovid without appropriate clinical assessment.
Remdesivir
Remdesivir is another antiviral treatment.
For selected high-risk outpatients, it may be administered intravenously over three consecutive days when started early in illness.
It can also be used in certain hospitalised patients depending on clinical circumstances.
Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir may be considered in some adults when preferred treatments cannot be used or are unavailable.
It is not a first-choice treatment in many guidelines and has important restrictions, including pregnancy-related considerations.
COVID treatment should therefore be selected by an appropriately qualified clinician rather than choosing an antiviral from an online list.
What Happens in Severe COVID-19?
People with severe disease may require hospital care.
Treatment can include:
supplemental oxygen;
careful fluid management;
monitoring of vital signs and organ function;
medications targeting inflammation in appropriately selected patients;
treatment of complications;
respiratory support.
A very small proportion may require intensive care or mechanical ventilation.
Modern clinical management is much more evidence-based than it was during the first months of 2020.
When Should Someone Seek Urgent Care?
Seek urgent medical attention if someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 develops:
severe difficulty breathing;
persistent chest pain or pressure;
confusion or severe drowsiness;
bluish or grey lips or skin;
inability to stay awake;
rapidly worsening symptoms;
signs of severe dehydration.
Clinical warning signs can vary, particularly in children and older adults.
People at high risk of severe COVID-19 should contact a healthcare professional early even when symptoms initially appear mild because antiviral treatment is time-sensitive.
Should You Take Antibiotics for COVID-19?
Not routinely.
Antibiotics do not kill SARS-CoV-2.
They should be prescribed only when a healthcare professional suspects or confirms a bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance and exposes people to avoidable side effects.
What About Steroids?
Steroids such as corticosteroids have an important role in some patients with severe or critical COVID-19, particularly those requiring oxygen.
They are not routine home treatments for uncomplicated mild COVID-19.
Taking steroids unnecessarily during mild infection may cause harm.
COVID-19 Vaccination in 2026
COVID-19 vaccination remains an important tool for preventing severe disease, hospitalisation and death, although current vaccination strategy differs from the mass vaccination campaigns of the early pandemic.
WHO updated its COVID-19 vaccine position in July 2026 in the context of:
sustained SARS-CoV-2 circulation;
high levels of population immunity;
changing variants; and
availability of updated vaccines.
The focus is increasingly on ensuring that people at the highest risk of severe COVID-19 maintain protection.
Who Should Be Prioritised for COVID-19 Vaccination?
WHO's 2026 recommendations encourage countries to consider routine vaccination particularly for groups at greatest risk of severe disease.
These include groups such as:
the oldest adults;
older adults with significant medical conditions or severe obesity;
people with important immunocompromising conditions;
other high-risk groups identified by national programmes.
Exact age cut-offs and vaccination schedules can differ between countries.
People should therefore follow current national guidance rather than relying solely on vaccination schedules from 2021 or 2022.
Does COVID Vaccination Stop Every Infection?
No.
COVID-19 vaccines do not guarantee that a person will never become infected.
Their most important benefit is reducing the risk of severe illness and death.
Protection against infection can decrease over time as immunity wanes and the virus evolves.
Variant-adapted vaccines are therefore periodically updated.
Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe?
More than 13 billion doses have been administered worldwide.
WHO continues to report that serious adverse events are rare relative to the enormous number of doses given.
Most vaccine reactions are mild or moderate and temporary.
Like every medical intervention, vaccines can have side effects, but vaccination recommendations are based on balancing those risks against the risks of severe COVID-19 in the populations concerned.
Do Masks Still Matter?
Masks remain useful in certain circumstances, but universal mask mandates are no longer the routine approach in most settings.
A well-fitting mask can be particularly useful when:
you have respiratory symptoms and must be around other people;
caring for someone with COVID-19;
visiting a high-risk person;
spending time in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor environments;
advised to do so by healthcare or public-health authorities during an outbreak.
Higher-filtration respirators such as N95, KN95 or similar properly fitted masks generally provide greater protection than loose-fitting cloth masks.
Ventilation and COVID Prevention
Indoor air quality is an important part of respiratory-infection prevention.
Practical measures include:
opening doors or windows where safe and practical;
improving mechanical ventilation;
reducing overcrowding;
spending more time outdoors when appropriate.
These measures are particularly useful when respiratory infections are circulating widely.
Hand Hygiene
Regular handwashing remains good health practice.
Wash hands with soap and water, especially:
after coughing or sneezing;
after using the toilet;
before preparing or eating food;
after caring for someone who is ill.
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can be used where soap and water are unavailable.
However, hand hygiene should not replace attention to respiratory transmission and ventilation.
What Should You Do When You Have COVID-19?
If you develop COVID-19 or another respiratory infection:
Stay home when you are significantly unwell where practical.
Avoid unnecessary close contact with people who are at high risk of severe illness.
Improve ventilation around you.
Wear a well-fitting mask when contact with others cannot be avoided.
Follow local health guidance concerning work, school and healthcare attendance.
High-risk individuals should seek advice promptly concerning antiviral treatment.
What Is Long COVID?
Some people continue experiencing symptoms after the acute infection has resolved.
This condition is called post COVID-19 condition or long COVID.
WHO describes it as symptoms usually occurring around three months after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting for at least two months and not explained by another diagnosis.
Symptoms can persist from the original illness or begin after apparent recovery.
Symptoms of Long COVID
Common symptoms include:
persistent fatigue;
shortness of breath;
difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”;
sleep disturbance;
persistent cough;
chest pain;
muscle or joint pain;
altered smell or taste;
headaches;
anxiety or depression.
Symptoms can fluctuate and may affect work, education, exercise and everyday activities.
Can Mild COVID Lead to Long COVID?
Yes.
Long COVID can occur after mild, moderate or severe initial infections.
Severe acute disease is not required.
This is one reason COVID-19 should not be viewed solely in terms of whether someone survives the first few days of infection.
Is There a Cure for Long COVID?
There is currently no single medicine proven to cure all long COVID.
Treatment focuses on identifying the individual's symptoms, excluding other possible medical conditions and providing appropriate rehabilitation or symptom management.
Anyone experiencing persistent health problems after COVID-19 should discuss them with a healthcare professional rather than assuming every new symptom must automatically be long COVID.
Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?
Yes.
Reinfection is possible.
Immunity from previous infection and vaccination reduces risk for some time but does not provide permanent protection against all future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Some people have experienced COVID-19 several times.
COVID-19 Myths and Facts
Myth: COVID-19 disappeared when the emergency ended.
Fact: SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate. Ending the WHO emergency designation changed how COVID-19 is managed globally; it did not eliminate the virus.
Myth: COVID-19 mainly spreads from contaminated surfaces.
Fact: Respiratory particles released into the air are the primary route of transmission.
Myth: Antibiotics treat COVID-19.
Fact: Antibiotics do not treat SARS-CoV-2 infection unless a separate bacterial infection is present.
Myth: There is no specific medicine for COVID-19.
Fact: Antiviral treatments such as nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and remdesivir are available for appropriately selected patients.
Myth: Vaccination means you cannot become infected.
Fact: Vaccination primarily reduces the risk of severe disease and death. Breakthrough infections can occur.
Myth: Only elderly people develop severe COVID-19.
Fact: Age is an important risk factor, but severe illness can occur at any age.
Myth: COVID-19 is always mild now.
Fact: Population immunity has greatly changed the disease burden, but severe cases and deaths continue to occur, particularly among high-risk people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is COVID-19 still around in 2026?
Yes.
SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate worldwide and is now managed as an ongoing respiratory health threat.
Is COVID-19 still a global emergency?
No.
WHO ended its Public Health Emergency of International Concern designation on 5 May 2023.
How does COVID-19 mainly spread?
Primarily through virus-containing respiratory particles released when infected people breathe, speak, cough, sneeze or sing.
Can COVID-19 be treated?
Yes.
Most mild cases require supportive treatment, while eligible high-risk patients may benefit from specific antiviral medicines.
Does everyone with COVID-19 need Paxlovid?
No.
It is intended for appropriately selected patients at increased risk of progression to severe disease and has important drug interaction considerations.
Do antibiotics cure COVID-19?
No.
COVID-19 is caused by a virus.
Can you have COVID-19 without fever?
Yes.
Fever is not present in every case.
Can you catch COVID-19 repeatedly?
Yes.
Reinfections can occur.
Does COVID vaccination still matter?
Yes, particularly for people at high risk of severe illness. Vaccination policies increasingly target those groups.
What is long COVID?
Long COVID describes persistent or new symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection that continue beyond the normal recovery period and can affect everyday functioning.
The Bottom Line
COVID-19 has changed considerably since the beginning of the pandemic, but SARS-CoV-2 has not disappeared.
Most infections are now mild or moderate, especially in populations with substantial immunity, but older adults, immunocompromised people and those with important underlying conditions remain at greater risk of severe disease.
The most important changes to remember are:
COVID-19 spreads mainly through respiratory particles and shared air, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated environments.
Vaccination remains valuable primarily for preventing severe disease and death, with current strategies increasingly focused on high-risk populations.
Specific antiviral treatments are now available for eligible patients and work best when started early.
Antibiotics should not be routinely used for COVID-19.
And recovery from the initial infection does not always mark the end of illness because some people develop long COVID.
People at increased risk of severe disease should seek medical advice early when they develop compatible symptoms because the window for antiviral treatment can be short.
References
World Health Organization. (2026). WHO position paper on COVID-19 vaccines, July 2026.
World Health Organization. (2026). COVID-19 vaccines: Questions and answers.
World Health Organization. (2025). Clinical management of COVID-19: Living guideline.
World Health Organization. (2025). Therapeutics and COVID-19: Living guideline.
World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
World Health Organization. Post COVID-19 condition.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 treatment clinical care for outpatients.
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