COVID-19

What Should I Do?

Based on CDC and WHO guidance, checked against those sources on Oct 12, 2026. Educational information only — not a diagnosis or a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.

What it is

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people have mild illness, but it can be severe, especially for older adults and people with certain health conditions.

How it spreads

Through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes — most easily indoors and at close range.
Less commonly, by touching contaminated surfaces and then your eyes, nose or mouth.
People can spread the virus before they have symptoms and even if they never develop symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear 2–14 days after exposure.

Latest official reports

WHO Disease Outbreak NewsCOVID

COVID-19 - Global Situation

Where: Global · Many countries

Excerpt from World Health Organization:Since mid-February 2025, according to data available from sentinel sites, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been increasing, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels that have not been observed since July 2024. This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May. Recent inc

Published May 28, 2025 · World Health Organization — Disease Outbreak NewsShare card

Current situation

8 of 35 countries with enough data are Elevated or High vs. their own historyWorld Health Organization; redistributed by Our World in Data · Aug 30, 2026
U.S.: 0 of 55 states at Moderate or above (CDC hospital admission levels)U.S. CDC · Oct 17, 2026

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Emergency warning signs

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds (depending on skin tone)

Call 911 (U.S.) or your local emergency number.