COVID-19 FAQs

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill, get hospitalized, and even die. Some people are at higher risk of becoming severely ill and hospitalized if they get COVID-19. This includes people who are not vaccinated, older, or have certain medical conditions. Some people with COVID-19 suffer from post-COVID conditions — or “long COVID”. This can happen even in people who had mild or no symptoms when they got infected.

COVID-19 can cause a rare but serious illness called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS). This is a condition where different parts of the body become inflamed. It can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. MIS may begin weeks after a person is infected with COVID-19. MIS is more common in children (MIS-C) but has also been diagnosed in adults (MIS-A).

Even healthy young people with no medical conditions can require hospitalization, have long-term complications that can affect their mental and physical health and quality of life, or die from COVID. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including boosters reduces the risk of getting these complications.

Post-COVID conditions are new, returning, or lingering symptoms that can last for weeks or months after having COVID-19. People with long COVID-19 do not have the live virus in their body and they can no longer spread COVID-19 to others. They may experience different types and/or combinations of symptoms than can happen over different lengths of time. Symptoms often include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain and/or chest pain. Most people’s symptoms slowly improve with time. Some people may develop or continue to have symptoms that are hard to explain and manage and continue for many months, and potentially years.

Long COVID is more common in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but even people who had mild or no symptoms can get long-COVID. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine helps reduce the risk of getting long COVID.

Talk to your doctor if you think you or your child has long COVID or a post-COVID condition.

See the CDC webpage Post-COVID Conditions and the California Department of Public Health Post-COVID Conditions Q&A for more information.

COVID-19 rebound is when people with COVID-19 get better, then begin to get symptoms 2-8 days after they have recovered. They may also test positive again. Rebound occurs in only a small proportion of people treated for COVID-19. It can also happen in people who are not treated. Rebound is mild in over 99% of cases. For more information, see COVID rebound FAQs.

Like all viruses, SARS-CoV-2 constantly changes through mutation. These mutations add up and create slightly different versions of the virus, called “variants”. Sometimes, a mutation will result in the virus spreading more easily, making people sicker, or making it resistant to treatment or vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. help to prevent serious illness and death from variants, including the Omicron variant. For more information, see the CDC webpage Variants of the Virus.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets and tiny particles that are
released into the air from the mouth and nose of a person who has COVID-19. These droplets/particles are
then breathed in by other people or land in their nose, mouth, or eyes. 

A person’s risk of getting infected goes up the closer they are to someone with COVID-19. This is especially
true if the infected person is speaking, singing, coughing, shouting, sneezing, or breathing heavily. A person’s
risk of getting infected is also higher if they are in enclosed spaces with poor air flow. This is because the tiny
particles that have the virus can concentrate and spread in the air. They can even stay floating in the air for
several hours after an infected person has left the room if there is poor airflow.

It is also possible, but less common, for the virus to spread by touching a surface with droplets on it and then
touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. For more information, see the CDC webpage How COVID-19 spreads.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe illness. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. Some people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include one or more of the following: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling tired, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose, or new loss of taste or smell. 

Note: This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19. New variants of COVID-19 may cause different symptoms. These symptoms could also be flu - learn more at www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home away from others and get tested. For information on how to get a COVID-19 test, visit ph.lacounty.com/covidtests/how.

If you have any respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat) wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others indoors.

• If you test positive for COVID-19 or a doctor tells you that you have COVID-19, you must follow isolation requirements at ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation.
• If you test negative for COVID-19, but you still have symptoms, stay home away from others. You can resume normal activities when you have been fever-free without the help of fever-reducing medicines for at least 24 hours.
  • Remember: Tests can miss early infection. Antigen tests (including self-tests) are more likely to miss early infections than PCR tests. If you test negative for COVID-19, take at least one more COVID-19 test 48 hours later. Read and follow all test instructions correctly. See FDA instructions on repeat testing.

Visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidcare to learn more about what to do if you are sick. If you need help finding a doctor, call the 24/7 helpline at 2-1-1 or visit 211LA.org.

It is important to get a COVID-19 test, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines:

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19
• If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19 (see the definition of close contact below)
• It is also a good idea to test before and after attending a gathering or event and before and after travel.

Visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidtests for more information on when to get tested and how to get a test.

This means the test detected the COVID-19 virus. You are considered to have COVID-19 if you have a positive test for COVID-19 or a healthcare provider tells you that you have COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19, you must stay home away from others for at least 5 days. You must isolate even if you have no symptoms and/or if you have been vaccinated or infected in the past. Follow the isolation instructions to protect others.

If you have symptoms, even if they are mild, ask for treatment right away. Don’t delay: the medicines work best when they are given soon after symptoms start. Most adults and some children qualify for COVID19 medicines. See ph.lacounty.gov/covidmedicines for more information about how to access free COVID-19 medication.

While in isolation, you must wear a well-fitting mask if there is a need to be in the same room with others. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask when you are indoors around others through Day 10.*

*If you meet the criteria to end isolation after Day 5, you can stop wearing a mask sooner (between Day 6-10) if you have two negative COVID-19 tests in a row that were taken at least a day apart.

Note: when you return to work, you are required to wear a mask at the workplace for a total of 10 days. See Return to Work (Non-Healthcare) Summary Table. To learn which masks offer the best protection, see ph.lacounty.gov/masks.

Tell your close contacts that they could be infected. They should take steps to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 even if they feel well or are up to date with their vaccines. These steps include masking, testing, and monitoring their health. Give them the instructions which are available in multiple languages at ph.lacounty.gov/covidcontacts.

If you have gotten COVID-19 or passed it on to others at work or school, please tell your workplace or school so that they can take precautions, including recommended testing.

For the most up to date information, please visit  ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation. 

To count the days:

• Day 0 is the first day of symptoms.
• If you don’t have symptoms, Day 0 is when your first positive test was collected. If you go on to get symptoms, restart with Day 0 as the first day of symptoms.

You may end isolation after Day 5* (i.e., between Day 6-10) if:

✓ You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine AND
✓ You don’t have any other symptoms, or your symptoms are mild and improving.

*Note: LAC DPH strongly recommends that you get a negative test for COVID-19 before ending isolation between Day 6-10. If you do test, it is best to use antigen tests (including self-tests) to lower the risk of false positives.

If your symptoms of COVID-19 are not improving, you must continue to isolate until your symptoms are improving or until after Day 10. If you have a condition that weakens your immune system or if you were severely ill with COVID-19 you might need to stay home for longer than 10 days. Talk to your doctor about when you can be around other people.

If your COVID-19 symptoms return or get worse after you end isolation, you may have COVID-19 rebound. Take an antigen test. If you test positive, you need to restart isolation at Day 0. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms or concerns.

For the most up to date information, please visit  ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation. 

You are a "close contact" if you shared the same indoor airspace with someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period while they were infectious*.

Examples of indoor airspaces are homes, waiting rooms, airplanes. An example of "a total of 15 minutes or more" is being in the same airspace with the person for 5 minutes at least 3 different times in 24 hours.

*A person is considered to be infectious (meaning they can spread COVID-19 to others) from 2 days before their symptoms began until they meet criteria to end isolation. If they test positive for COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms, they are considered to be infectious from 2 days before their test was taken through Day 5.

Note: A different definition of a close contact may be used if you are exposed at work, school, or very large indoor spaces.

For the most up to date information, please visit  ph.lacounty.gov/covidcontacts.

As long as you do not have symptoms, you do not need to stay away from others. If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19 and you have no symptoms, you should take the following steps lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others:

1. Wear a well-fitting mask indoors around others for 10 days.
2. Get tested 3-5 days after you were last exposed. If your test result is positive, isolate. Note: if you had a positive COVID test within the last 30 days testing is not recommended unless you have symptoms. Learn more.
3. Monitor your health for 10 days. If symptoms start, stay home, and get tested.

If you test positive at any time, you must stay home away from others and follow isolation requirements at ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation. Note: it is recommended that negative results from antigen tests, including self-tests should be repeated, see FDA instructions on repeat testing.

See full instructions for close contacts at: ph.lacounty.gov/covidcontacts.

Staying up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including boosters, is the best way to protect yourself from getting seriously ill and dying from COVID-19. The vaccines also reduce the risk of long COVID-19. Learn more at the CDC website
Stay Up To Date with COVID-19 Vaccines.

Visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidvaccineschedules to see when each dose is due.

If you have insurance, contact your healthcare provider to schedule a vaccine appointment. Vaccines are also available for persons without insurance at many pharmacies and community health centers. Note: Minors need consent from their parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated. To find a location in your neighborhood: visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/vaccines or call 1-833-540-0473 or 2-1-1.

In-home vaccination is available and can be requested by calling 1-833-540-0473 or by visiting VaccinateLACounty.com and clicking on In-Home Vaccines.

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses including the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC. It is the best way to protect yourself from getting seriously ill and dying from COVID-19. The vaccines also reduce the risk of long COVID-19.
• Wear a mask that fits and filters well. See ph.lacounty.gov/masks for more information.
• Avoid places where COVID-19 spreads more easily, including crowded indoor places, closed spaces with poor air flow, and settings where people are talking close together.
• Improve air flow. Open windows and doors and avoid indoor spaces with poor air flow. See the CDC’s Improving Ventilation in Your Home webpage for more information.
• Choose outdoor spaces for social and fitness activities when possible.
• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer often. Especially after being in public spaces where surfaces are touched by many people. Stay home when you are sick.

See ph.lacounty.gov/reducerisk for more tips to reduce the risks from COVID-19.

As the world continues to combat COVID-19, you may feel concerned, worried, and fearful for your health and the health of your loved ones. Financial troubles, lifestyle changes and other factors may also cause added stress. Be sure to watch for signs of distress, engage in regular self-care, and seek out help when needed.

If you or someone you know is having a hard time coping, help is available 24/7 by calling the LA County Department of Mental Health’s Helpline 1-800-854-7771. You can also text “LA” to 741741 or talk to your doctor. The webpage  dmh.lacounty.gov/resources includes mental health resources and tips to help support your wellbeing. For additional resources to support those living with disabilities, refer to this resource guide.

LA County residents have free access to iPrevail.com, an online mental health resource to help with life's everyday stressors. After a short assessment, you are connected to customized support which may include ondemand chat with peer coaches, self-paced lessons to improve wellbeing, and community support groups. iPrevail is available 24/7 and offered in English and Spanish.

There is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19. Check trusted sources for accurate information about COVID-19, including the following:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: COVID-19 information: ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
• COVID-19 vaccination:
  • VaccinateLACounty.com for FAQs and factsheets, information on How to Get Vaccinated, and more.
• California Department of Public Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization (WHO)

Call the DPH Call Center 1-833-540-0473 8am to 8:30pm daily or 2-1-1 (open 24/7) if you have questions or need help to get vaccines, treatment, or resources.

Look out for COVID-19 scams
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, scammers are still at work to cheat people out of money. To learn more about how to avoid a scam and what to do if you are a victim of a scam, visit the DPH COVID-19 Scams and Fraud webpage.