How dangerous is COVID-19?

Overall fatality rates of COVID-19 are low, and most people have mild symptoms. Those with chronic lung disease and other chronic medical conditions and people older than 65 years with weaker immune systems are most at risk for complications if they contract COVID-19.[1] Even though most individuals will not die from it, COVID-19 is a public health concern because there is no immunity to it.[2]

[1] Wilson N, Kvalsvig A, Telfar Barnard L, Baker MG. Case-fatality estimates for COVID-19 calculated by using a lag time for fatality. Emerg Infect Dis. 3/13/2020 https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2606.200320DOI: 10.3201/eid2606.200320

[2] Becker's Hospital Review, Leaked AHA webinar slide shows US hospitals brazing for 96 million coronavirus cases3/12/20: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/leaked-aha-webinar-slide-shows-us-hospitals-bracing-for-96-million-coronavirus-cases.html

Other questions related to Coronavirus and COVID-19

Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We all know that stress is part of life and managing it can be difficult. Stress management has become even more difficult with the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has been with us for the past 18 months or so and life as we know it has changed. The recent surge of the Delta variant has also brought on more stress related to vaccination, the return to school, and the possibility of business closures.

Here’s What to Do if You Were Exposed to or Tested Positive for COVID-19

By now, you may know someone who has been exposed to the virus or had it themselves. You may have a lot of questions about testing, quarantine, and isolation. We’re here to help!

COVID-19 Testing: Your Options and Telehealth's Role

You may have heard about a few different tests for COVID-19. Some provide faster results than others. Certain tests are used to find out about a past infection and some determine if you have a case currently. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of tests to help you understand your options.

Hear from a Doctor: How to Prepare for a Telehealth Visit

In February 2020, as COVID-19 began to spread and surge across the United States, the CDC advised physicians and the public to engage in social distancing and seek care virtually via telehealth when needed. Since March 2020, the use of telehealth has risen by over 50% compared to that same time period in March 2019, and it continues to rise.

Hear from a Therapist: 7 Tips for Managing Depression

Depression is more than "feeling down" or " feeling blue." When you’re depressed, you may find it hard to simply "let go" or "snap out of it." Depression is very common.

COVID-19 or the Flu? Here Are the Differences

As we enter fall, you and your family may have concerns about the flu (influenza) and how its symptoms differ from those of COVID-19. Here are some ways to identify and prevent the flu and COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions