What is COVID-19?
The COVID-19 viral pandemic is caused by a type of RNA virus called a coronavirus. The name comes from the appearance of a halo or corona surrounding virus particles when viewed through an electron microscope. An RNA virus, as the name implies, has RNA rather than DNA as its genetic material. RNA viruses commonly cause respiratory infections like colds and the flu. The COVID-19 coronavirus is similar in many ways to the influenza virus, causing fever, cough and muscle weakness, but it has a much higher complication rate including pneumonia and respiratory distress, which if not treated, can be fatal. Currently, there is no specific treatment nor is there a vaccine, but the research is promising. Some existing antiviral treatments may be effective and are being looked into, but nothing is proven as of yet.

How Does the Virus Infect People?
The virus is spread person to person directly through virus particles expelled into the air from say a cough, or indirectly through contact with viral particles that have previously landed on surfaces, clothing or objects like a doorknob handled by someone infected with the virus. A person is considered contagious 24 hours before symptoms appear, and until 48 hours after they cease. Once infected, the incubation period is anywhere from 2-14 days. Although one may not be contagious until just before they experience symptoms, if you’ve had contact with someone who has tested positive, it is recommended to closely monitor symptoms, self-quarantine and/or get tested if symptoms appear.

The initial symptoms for the coronavirus resemble the flu: high fever (>101) and a dry cough, often accompanied by sore throat and headache. Stuffy nose and sneezing, which commonly accompany colds and seasonal allergies, are generally not present and can be used to differentiate the conditions. If shortness of breath or worsening breathing problems develop, this could be a sign that the virus is getting worse and would be a reason to seek immediate medical care.

Are Doctors Getting Vaccinated?
“As Of June 11, 2021 over 96% of American doctors are fully vaccinated against COVID-19” – The American Medical Association

Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Make Me Sick?
“The COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines teach your immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever and chills. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.” – Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

How Serious is This? Who Should Worry?
The emergence of the virus into our society has sparked a great deal of fear since so much is unknown. We do know that the virus spreads about twice as fast as the flu but not nearly as fast as the measles or other childhood illnesses. According to the WHO, approximately 85% of cases will be relatively mild and will not require hospital care. However, as many as 10-15% of people who catch this illness will progress to pneumonia and need to be hospitalized. Those most at risk are older individuals (>60 y/o), especially those with a history of lung problems like COPD or asthma, smokers, and those with concurrent medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Individuals who are taking medications that affect the immune system like biologics, prednisone or many anti-cancer treatments are also at risk. Individuals less than 50 years of age who are non-smokers and generally in good health have a very low risk of developing life-threatening complications. The virus does not specifically target young children or infants, but they are not immune and should be closely monitored for symptoms.

Has the FDA Approved the COVID-19 Vaccine?
“The FDA has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the meticulously collected evidence from more than 100 million vaccinated Americans is clear: The vaccines we have to defeat COVID-19 are safe, effective, and the only way out of this pandemic.” – The American Medical Association (AMA)

“The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received full approval by the FDA on Aug. 23, 2021. All medications issued in any hospital or by any medical practitioner in the USA must be FDA approved.” – Johns Hopkins Medicine

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?
The three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. are safe and effective in helping prevent serious disease or death due to the coronavirus.

“With more than 300 million doses administered in the United States and nearly 4 billion doses administered worldwide, we know the vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Increased vaccinations among health care personnel will not only reduce the spread of COVID-19 but also reduce the harmful toll this virus is taking within the health care workforce and those we are striving to serve.” – The American Medical Association (AMA)

Why Should I Get Vaccinated?
“Unless a significant percentage of our population is vaccinated against COVID-19, we could be stuck fighting this virus for many more months or even years to come.” – Dr. Harmon The American Medical Association (AMA)