Learn how UW Medicine led the response to the nation’s first COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Up-to-date information about care and services
Vaccines
Learn about COVID-19 vaccines, including eligibility and how to make an appointment.
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Testing
Learn when, where and how to get tested for COVID-19.
Therapeutics
Learn how to request treatments and therapy for people who are at a higher risk of severe illness.
Recovery
Learn about Long COVID-19 symptoms and how to get a treatment plan tailored to you.
UW Medicine Visitor Policy
To protect our patients, staff and community, we have visitor restrictions in effect. Visitors must also continue to follow masking policies in areas where masks are required as indicated by signage.
Join a community webinar conversation
Hosted by the Office of Healthcare Equity, these webinars provide you with need-to-know info about health topics in the news, including COVID-19 updates from UW Medicine experts.
Answers to your questions about COVID-19
What is COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome, also called SARS, and Middle East respiratory syndrome, also called MERS. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
- Cough,
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
- Fever,
- Chills,
- Muscle pain or body aches,
- Fatigue,
- Sore throat,
- New loss of taste or smell,
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea,
- Headache,
- Congestion or runny nose.
Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, especially those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 appears to spread when individuals infected with the virus cough or sneeze. This causes moisture droplets carrying the virus to be projected into the air where those droplets may be inhaled by other people nearby. This way the virus may also be moved to the eyes, nose, or mouth if a person's hands become contaminated and they touch their face.
Other respiratory viruses can spread in this way as well. We have a lot to learn about COVID-19, but it appears to spread the same way.
How do I keep myself, my friends and my family safe from COVID-19?
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe from COVID-19, the most important steps to take are:
- Practice social distancing,
- Wear a high-quality mask when in public indoor settings,
- Get vaccinated and boosted,
- Wash your hands frequently,
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands,
- Stay home if you are feeling ill,
- Contact your doctor's office if you are experiencing symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms, get tested and contact your doctor's office. They will help you determine if you need to be seen and provide you with instructions for seeking medical care.
Most importantly, please follow the advice of Public Health - Seattle & King County on what to do to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Who is most vulnerable to COVID-19?
People at higher risk of COVID-19 include:
- People 65 and older,
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility,
- People with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, severe obesity, or heart, liver or lung disease,
- People who have weakened immune systems,
- People who are pregnant,
- People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible.
Frequently asked questions about care and service
I'm worried I have COVID-19. What do I do?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to get tested as soon as you can and stay home until you have the results. Visit our testing page for more information about where to get tested. You do not need to go to the hospital unless you are experiencing symptoms that could be a medical emergency. These symptoms include having trouble breathing, feeling a persistent pain or pressure in your chest, becoming confused or disoriented, or having your face or lips turn blue. If you can, have someone call the hospital in advance so they can prepare for your visit.
You should always contact your doctor with questions or concerns, but having test results will help with their recommendations for your care. You can contact your doctor by phone or MyChart, If you have general questions, please call our COVID-19 info line, 206.520.2285 or 855.520.2285.
How long does someone with COVID-19 need to be in home isolation?
How long to isolate yourself depends on several different factors. Detailed information can be found on the CDC’s website, cdc.gov/coronavirus under: When to quarantine and isolate.
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