COVID-19 Resource Center

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets, which other people breathe in. These droplets can also be spread by coughs or sneezes. Sometimes, COVID-19 can be spread by touching contaminated surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

COVID-19 is most easily spread among people who are closer than 6 feet to someone who’s sick.

Some people infected with the virus will have no symptoms. When COVID-19 does cause symptoms, they’re often similar to what you might experience with a cold or the flu.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

For most people who are otherwise healthy, the symptoms are mild and don’t cause serious health problems. But sometimes, COVID-19 causes more severe symptoms.

In adults, emergency warning signs of COVID-19 include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

This list is not all-inclusive. If your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home except to get medical care and isolate yourself from others. Learn about our testing and care options.

People of all ages can get COVID-19, including children. Most children have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Rarely, children with COVID-19 can develop a serious disease called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Children with weakened immune systems or certain underlying conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect your family. Right now, kids ages 5 to 17 can get the Pfizer vaccine. Getting vaccinated yourself can reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 and spreading it to your child.

Visit our COVID-19 vaccine resource page to learn more and schedule.

All viruses mutate (or change) over time, and COVID-19 is no exception. When a mutation changes how the virus behaves – for example, making it more contagious – the new version is known as a variant or strain.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple variants of the virus have emerged. This includes the Delta variant, as well as the Omicron variant, which is spreading rapidly in our community. Learn more about the Omicron variant.

To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, we encourage you to:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a mask.
• Keep a safe distance from others.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Be aware of your health and changes to how you feel.
• Avoid close contact with someone who’s sick.

As you take steps to protect your physical health, remember to take care of your mental health, too. If you’re feeling down or anxious and need someone to talk to, please call our 24/7 Behavioral Health Help Line at 704-444-2400 to speak to a licensed counselor.

Visit our COVID-19 vaccine resource page. In addition to scheduling your vaccine, you can read FAQs, important updates and more.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is another great place to get the latest on the COVID-19 vaccines.

Studies show that wearing a mask can both protect you and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks are especially helpful in places where it’s hard to practice physical distance.

Though mask rules differ from place to place, Atrium Health requires patients and teammates to wear masks in our facilities. The only exceptions are for children under the age of 2 and individuals who might not be able to remove the mask without help.

See CDC’s latest guidance on masks.

The more people you’re around, the greater your chance of exposure to COVID-19. If you were recently in a large crowd, you can get tested for COVID-19. Testing is typically recommended within 14 days of possible exposure to the virus. A healthcare provider can tell you if testing is right for you.

At all Atrium Health facilities, we’re continuing to take enhanced steps to keep our patients, visitors (when allowed) and staff safe. Learn more about our COVID-Safe care.

In addition to safe care at our locations, we have virtual care options if you’re not comfortable with an in-person visit.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please do not hesitate to seek in-person emergency care immediately or call 911. Delaying care in a medical emergency could lead to more serious complications.

We know how important it can be to have someone by your side when you seek medical care. In an effort to keep you safe, we might have restrictions in place. See our current visitor policy.

The pandemic has been difficult in many ways. If you’re feeling down or anxious, read this article for tips and resources to help you cope. For 24/7 mental health crisis support, call Atrium Health’s Behavioral Health Help Line at 704-444-2400.

Just by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing, you’re doing your part to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you’re looking for other ways to help, there are things everyone can do right now.

From donating supplies and food to giving blood and plasma, explore ways you can help.

For reliable information about COVID-19, we recommend the following resources.

• If you have questions about COVID-19, call our 24/7 Health Line at 704-468-8888
• Get COVID-19 information in Spanish

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• NC Department of Health and Human Services
• SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
• GA Department of Public Health