About COVID

The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19. COVID-19 usually leads to respiratory symptoms like a cold, flu, or pneumonia. However, COVID-19 can affect not only your lungs but other parts of your body as well. Most people have mild symptoms, but some people may become very sick.

How COVID Spreads

  • COVID-19 spreads when someone with the virus breathes out droplets and tiny particles.
  • Others can breathe in these droplets or particles.
  • They can also land on someone’s eyes, nose, or mouth. In some cases, these droplets may infect surfaces they touch.
  • Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do not have symptoms.
  • In rare cases, COVID-19 can also spread from people to animals.

Protect Yourself From COVID

Take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID. Visit the CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance page. You can find tips to reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.

COVID Testing

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, including getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. Testing options:

  • Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider about other testing options that may be available to you. Find a health center near you.
  • Buy self-tests (at-home tests) online or in pharmacies and retail stores. If you have health insurance, it may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests.

Learn more: CDC - Testing for COVID-19

What Should I Do If I Have COVID? 

If you think you might be sick, stay home and try to stay away from others, even people whom you live with.

If you have risk factors that could cause you to get very sick, seek health care right away. Early testing and treatment may help lower your risk of getting very sick.

Check the CDC COVID-19 page to find out about treatment options.

When To Seek Emergency Help

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake.
  • Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds, and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue.

If you see any of these signs, call 911 or your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Note: This list does not include all possible symptoms. Call your doctor if you have any other severe symptoms.

Vaccines Information

How To Get Your Digital Vaccine Record

  • Visit CDPH's: Digital Vaccine Record to access your digital vaccine record.
  • You can get a link to your COVID-19 Vaccine Record with a QR code or your California Immunization Record.