Facts about the coronavirus and COVID-19

As the situation around COVID-19 evolves, we’ll update this page to keep you informed and supported during this time. Thank you for all you’re doing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We’re all in this together.


On this page:

     


Important resources

For additional information about the coronavirus and COVID-19, visit these websites:


COVID-19 basics

Who is at higher risk for COVID-19?

COVID-19 causes a mild illness in many people. But some people have an increased risk of developing severe symptoms from COVID-19 and may need to take extra precautions to avoid infection.

You may be at high risk if you:

  • Are 65 or older
  • Live in a long-term care facility
  • Have an ongoing serious health condition, such as:
    • Lung disease or asthma
    • Heart conditions
    • High blood pressure
    • Severe obesity
    • Diabetes
    • Kidney or liver disease 
    • A weakened immune system
    • Cancer treatment
  • Smoke or vape tobacco/nicotine or marijuana (Kaiser Permanente members have many ways to get help quitting, including in-person appointments with a therapist or doctor, personalized online plans, and Wellness Coaching by Phone)
  • Are pregnant (If you’re pregnant, learn more about how the virus could affect you or your care at the COVID-19 maternity page)

Visit CDC.gov for a full list of people at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.


How to protect yourself

How should I clean surfaces if I or a family member has COVID-19?

Experts say it may be possible to get the virus by touching something that has the virus on it. This includes surfaces like tables and countertops and objects such as doorknobs, faucets, toilets, remote controls, and handles on the fridge and microwave.

To clean and disinfect surfaces and objects:

  • Wear disposable gloves. Throw them away after you clean and disinfect. Wash your hands after you take off the gloves.

  • Use a detergent or soap and water to clean any dirt from surfaces and objects.

  • To kill the virus, use a household disinfectant cleaner, a household bleach solution, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol. Make sure the product is right for the type of surface you’re cleaning. Follow the directions on the product and handle the bleach in a well-ventilated area. You can make your own bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach with a gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach with a quart of water.
I’m pregnant. How does COVID-19 affect me and my baby?

Information on how COVID-19 affects pregnant people is limited. Based on the most current information from the CDC, if you’re pregnant, then you might be at higher risk of severe illness and death from the virus. Pregnant people who have health conditions such as diabetes might be at an even higher risk of severe illness. You might be at risk for pregnancy complications such as preterm birth. COVID-19 is uncommon in newborns born to parents with COVID-19 in pregnancy, but some newborns have tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after birth. We don’t yet know if the virus can be transmitted during pregnancy or if these newborns were infected after birth.*

For more information on how COVID-19 could affect you or your care if you’re pregnant, visit the COVID-19 maternity page. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of what we know about COVID-19’s effect on pregnancy and newborn care, as well as changes to your pregnancy care.

* “COVID-19: Breastfeeding and Caring for Newborns,” cdc.gov, February 26, 2021.


How it spreads

How long are people with COVID-19 contagious?

According to the CDC, it’s possible for people to spread the virus for about 2 days before they have any symptoms. And they can stay contagious for at least 10 days after symptoms first appear. If someone has COVID-19 but is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, the CDC says it’s possible for them to stay contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for the virus.


Symptoms and treatment

How is COVID-19 treated?

Treatment of COVID-19 continues to evolve as the pandemic progresses. For outpatients, much of the treatment is focused on managing symptoms. There are, however, several newer outpatient treatments that have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of which are now available in extremely limited supply.

For outpatient treatment for mild-moderate symptoms you can care for yourself at home while you’re in isolation. Your doctor may have you take acetaminophen (Tylenol*) for a fever.

For outpatient treatment in certain at-risk individuals the FDA has either approved or given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to four medicines (Paxlovid, Molnupiravir, Sotrovimab, and Remdesivir). They work by stopping the virus from making copies within the body to limit the spread of the virus. Due to the current extremely limited availability of each of these medicines, Kaiser Permanente is following the recommendations from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for prioritization of use in patients at highest risk of severe COVID-19.

For patients hospitalized with COVID-19, antivirals (such as Remdesivir) may be used to stop the spread of virus in moderately ill hospitalized patients and immunomodulators (such as dexamethasone, JAK inhibitor baricitinib, or IL-6 inhibitor Tocilizumab) may be used to reduce inflammation in patients with severe pneumonia who need additional oxygen. 

While these therapies are a breakthrough, prevention is still our greatest opportunity to address this COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccination and boosters. 

*Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medication mentioned. Any trade name listed is for easy identification only.


Children and COVID-19

Can children get COVID-19?

Yes. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms. While serious COVID-19 cases are rare among young people, it’s still a possibility — and children can spread the coronavirus to others even if they have no symptoms themselves. If your child exhibits symptoms or you’re worried your child has come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, call us to schedule a phone, video, or e-visit.

Are infants and young children at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19?

We’re still learning about how COVID-19 affects infants and children. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, most serious illnesses have been among adults. However, some research suggests that infants under 1 year old and those who have underlying medical conditions could be at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 compared to other children. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your child’s pediatrician.1

1If you believe your child has an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents.

How can I protect my child from COVID-19?
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. 
Are COVID-19 symptoms different in children than in adults?

Common symptoms in children are similar to those found in adults. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but for many people being sick with COVID-19 is a little bit like having the flu. They may have a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths.

What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?

If symptoms are minor, care for your child as if they have a typical cough or cold and keep an eye out for worsening symptoms. If you’re worried about your child’s illness, or if their symptoms are moderate or not going away, please call us for advice.  

Keep your child home and away from others and practice healthy habits to prevent spreading the virus to family members. Be sure to keep your child away from any high risk adults (even if you don’t know for sure that your child has COVID-19) until they’re symptom-free for 72 hours. High-risk adults include anyone over 65, anyone with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people. 

If you believe your child has an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents.

Should my child get tested for COVID-19?
We recommend getting your child tested if they currently have symptoms of COVID-19. Learn more about testing  
What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children?

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, also known as MIS-C, is a rare but serious illness affecting a small number of children. It’s not COVID-19, but there may be a link between them. While COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, MIS-C affects the organs and blood vessels. Researchers aren’t sure what causes MIS-C, but many children with MIS-C have either tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to it. Symptoms of MIS-C vary, but may include:

  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neck pain
  • Rash
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Feeling extra tired

Researchers inside and outside of Kaiser Permanente are working to learn more about how to prevent and treat MIS-C. Based on what we know now, the best way to protect your child from MIS-C is by taking the same actions you’ve been taking to protect against COVID-19 — including washing your hands often and wearing a mask. Learn what to do if your child shows symptoms of MIS-C

I’m pregnant. How does COVID-19 affect me and my baby?

Information on how COVID-19 affects pregnant people is limited. Based on the most current information from the CDC, if you’re pregnant, then you might be at higher risk of severe illness and death from the virus. Pregnant people who have health conditions such as diabetes might be at an even higher risk of severe illness. You might be at risk for pregnancy complications such as preterm birth. COVID-19 is uncommon in newborns born to parents with COVID-19 in pregnancy, but some newborns have tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after birth. We don’t yet know if the virus can be transmitted during pregnancy or if these newborns were infected after birth.*

For more information on how COVID-19 could affect you or your care if you’re pregnant, visit the COVID-19 maternity page. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of what we know about COVID-19’s effect on pregnancy and newborn care, as well as changes to your pregnancy care.

* “COVID-19: Breastfeeding and Caring for Newborns,” cdc.gov, February 26, 2021.


The COVID-19 vaccine 

Did Kaiser Permanente evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine?
Yes. Our infectious disease and other clinical experts — along with state and federal public health officials — closely reviewed that data to ensure we could administer the vaccine safely.
Will there be a cost for the vaccine?
For more information regarding vaccine coverage, visit kp.org/covidvaccine .


Testing for COVID-19

How much does testing cost?
For more information regarding testing coverage, visit kp.org/covidtesting
What should I do if I test negative for COVID-19 but continue to have symptoms?

Continue to treat any symptoms at home and self-isolate until you are fever-free for 24 hours. If your condition worsens, call our appointment and advice line.

What is antibody testing for a past COVID-19 infection?

Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. An antibody blood (serology) test looks for antibodies in a person’s blood. Kaiser Permanente is participating in research to help us learn more about COVID-19 antibodies.

We’re not recommending antibody testing outside of research studies at this time. Antibody testing has limited clinical value and should not be used to diagnose active infection, determine immunity to COVID-19, make decisions about returning to work, or assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person.

The CDC doesn’t recommend getting an antibody test to determine if you need a COVID-19 vaccine or to check your immunity after being vaccinated.

  

Recovering or caring for someone at home

Here’s what you can do to help protect yourself and your family — whether you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 yourself, or caring for someone else who’s recovering at home.