Published on Oct 24, 2023 | 5:21 PM
Share Article :
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can affect the lungs as well as other organ systems and ranges in severity from mild illness to severe disease requiring hospitalization.
COVID-19 continues to circulate globally and may occur year-round. While many people experience mild symptoms, certain individuals — including older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions — remain at higher risk for complications.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely and may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Some individuals remain asymptomatic, while others develop significant illness.
Common symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Sore throat
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Loss or change in taste or smell
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Symptom severity does not always correlate with risk, and even mild cases may benefit from medical guidance.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Transmission can occur during close contact, especially in indoor or poorly ventilated spaces.
The virus can spread even when an infected person has no symptoms.
COVID-19 is diagnosed through viral testing, including rapid antigen tests and laboratory-based molecular tests.
Testing is recommended for individuals with symptoms, known exposure, or when required for work, travel, or medical decision-making. Early testing can help guide treatment and isolation decisions.
Treatment depends on symptom severity, timing, and individual risk factors.
Many people with mild illness recover with supportive care, including rest, fluids, and fever control. Antiviral medications, such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), may be prescribed for eligible individuals at higher risk of severe disease when started early.
Treatment decisions should be made with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Most people recover fully from COVID-19, but some may develop complications, including pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions, or prolonged symptoms known as post-COVID conditions (long COVID).
Monitoring symptoms and seeking care when needed helps reduce the risk of complications.
Medical care is recommended if symptoms worsen or do not improve. Urgent or emergency care is needed for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, or inability to stay awake.
People at higher risk for severe illness should seek medical guidance early after symptom onset.
CallOnDoc offers convenient, reliable care for COVID-19 through telehealth.
With a virtual visit, you can discuss symptoms with a licensed provider, determine whether testing or antiviral treatment is appropriate, and receive guidance on isolation and recovery — without an in-person visit.
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
updated 01/26/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
Do You Have the Flu or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference
When it comes to respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and the flu (influenza) share a lot in common. Both are highly contagious, spread in similar ways, and often produce overlapping symptoms.
Many people can find it nearly impossible to tell them apart just by how they feel, especially in the early stages of illness. This overlap is particularly problematic during flu season, when cases of both flu and COVID-19 spike, increasing the chances of infection with one or even both viruses.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can begin with mild symptoms that may gradually or suddenly worsen. They share common symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, making it easy to confuse the two.
Knowing the common differences between COVID-19 and the flu can help guide your decisions about treatment, isolation, and when to seek medical care. However, it’s important to remember testing is the most reliable way to confirm your diagnosis. Factors like vaccination status, virus variants, and overall health can also influence how you experience symptoms for both illnesses.
Oct 11, 2021 | 2:58 PM
Read More
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Telemedicine After COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, telemedicine became a vital part of healthcare delivery. What was once viewed as a convenient alternative to traditional doctor visits has now evolved into a core component of modern healthcare.
While virtual visits don’t replace every in-person service—such as physical exams, imaging, or certain lab tests—today’s leading telehealth platforms bridge that gap. Services like CallOnDoc combine virtual care with access to lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and at-home test kits, offering patients more comprehensive coverage than ever before.
As the pandemic has eased, many expected telehealth use to decline. Instead, utilization has remained strong—and continues to grow. Patients have experienced firsthand how technology can improve access, speed, and affordability of care. Here are five reasons telemedicine remains a preferred option well beyond COVID-19.
Feb 15, 2022 | 5:58 PM
Read More
FDA Approved COVID Treatment, Is Paxlovid Right for You?
As research on COVID-19 continues to evolve, the healthcare community closely follows updated treatment guidance and safety recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These guidelines help ensure that patients receive effective treatment while minimizing the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Jun 08, 2022 | 2:56 PM
Read More
Do You Have the Flu or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference
When it comes to respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and the flu (influenza) share a lot in common. Both are highly contagious, spread in similar ways, and often produce overlapping symptoms.
Many people can find it nearly impossible to tell them apart just by how they feel, especially in the early stages of illness. This overlap is particularly problematic during flu season, when cases of both flu and COVID-19 spike, increasing the chances of infection with one or even both viruses.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can begin with mild symptoms that may gradually or suddenly worsen. They share common symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, making it easy to confuse the two.
Knowing the common differences between COVID-19 and the flu can help guide your decisions about treatment, isolation, and when to seek medical care. However, it’s important to remember testing is the most reliable way to confirm your diagnosis. Factors like vaccination status, virus variants, and overall health can also influence how you experience symptoms for both illnesses.
Oct 11, 2021 | 2:58 PM
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Telemedicine After COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, telemedicine became a vital part of healthcare delivery. What was once viewed as a convenient alternative to traditional doctor visits has now evolved into a core component of modern healthcare.
While virtual visits don’t replace every in-person service—such as physical exams, imaging, or certain lab tests—today’s leading telehealth platforms bridge that gap. Services like CallOnDoc combine virtual care with access to lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and at-home test kits, offering patients more comprehensive coverage than ever before.
As the pandemic has eased, many expected telehealth use to decline. Instead, utilization has remained strong—and continues to grow. Patients have experienced firsthand how technology can improve access, speed, and affordability of care. Here are five reasons telemedicine remains a preferred option well beyond COVID-19.
Feb 15, 2022 | 5:58 PM
FDA Approved COVID Treatment, Is Paxlovid Right for You?
As research on COVID-19 continues to evolve, the healthcare community closely follows updated treatment guidance and safety recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These guidelines help ensure that patients receive effective treatment while minimizing the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Jun 08, 2022 | 2:56 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?