COVID and the COVID Vaccine: What You Need to Know
July 30, 2026
What Is COVID-19?
COVID (or COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While many people experience mild symptoms and recover at home, COVID can still lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or complications, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with certain underlying health conditions.
The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and small airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Because COVID continues to circulate in the population, taking steps to protect yourself and others remains important.,
What Are the Symptoms of COVID?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle or body aches
Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
If you have severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or other emergency warning signs, seek medical care immediately or call 911.
Why Does the COVID Vaccine Matter?
COVID vaccines help your immune system recognize and fight the virus. While vaccination may not prevent every infection, it can lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Staying up to date with the latest recommended vaccine helps maintain protection as the virus changes over time.
Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccine recommendations are appropriate based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
When Should I See a Provider?
If you develop COVID symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you are at higher risk for severe illness. Early evaluation may help determine whether testing or antiviral treatment is appropriate. You should also contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. You may want to consider a VirtualPRES visit (phs.org/virtual-pres) to help prevent spreading the illness to others.
Prevention and Next Steps
Along with staying current on COVID vaccination, you can help reduce your risk by washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when you're sick, and following current public health guidance when respiratory illnesses are circulating.
If you have questions about COVID, the vaccination, or protecting your family, Presbyterian's care teams are here to help. Visit phs.org/vaccines or speak with your healthcare provider to learn more.
Clinical information provided by Jessie Crumley, DrPH, MPH, RN, Director of Infection Prevention and Control for Presbyterian Healthcare.
