label: COVID-19 Infection
label_lc: covid-19 infection
description: An acute infection of the respiratory tract that is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Based on currently available information, SARS-CoV-2 is thought to mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Typically, there is a two- to 14-day incubation period and infected persons can present with no symptoms or mild to severe fever, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Dysgeusia, anosmia, and gastrointestinal and flu-like symptoms have also been reported. Older adults and persons of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be of higher risk for severe illness, including secondary infections, respiratory failure, and multi-organ dysfunction.