What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since it was first described in December 2019, the disease has spread globally. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols, so risk is highest when people spend extended periods in close proximity with someone who is infected. There are many symptoms that COVID-19 and the flu have in common, but certain symptoms, such as a loss of smell or taste, can be a distinguishing factor.
What are the main signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear within 2–14 days of contracting the virus and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of smell or taste, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.[1]
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
COVID-19 is diagnosed using a few different types of tests. Rapid tests look for viral particles and are available to the public, can be self-administered, and provide test results in less than an hour. Lab-based tests are more accurate, but results can take longer to come back. Serum tests can also be used to identify certain antibodies, which indicate if an individual has had a prior infection (or has been vaccinated). [2]
What are some of the main medical treatments for COVID-19?
Vaccines are effective for reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as the severity of illness should a vaccinated individual still contract the disease.[3]
Aside from supportive care (rest, hydration, over the counter medications), medical treatment isn’t necessarily recommended in people without risk factors for severe disease. In people who are at risk for severe disease, antiviral therapy (e.g., nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) is a first-line treatment.[4]
Have any supplements been studied for COVID-19?
Vitamin D has a wide range of effects on inflammation and the immune system. Although low serum vitamin D levels tend to be associated with increased risk of infection, severe illness, and death, studies that administer vitamin D to people prior to or after infection show mixed results.
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are well studied and could possibly reduce the severity of COVID-19.
How could diet affect COVID-19?
Diet-related health issues, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are major risk factors for severe disease and death in COVID-19.[5] As such, it’s important to have dietary habits that minimize the risk of these health conditions.
Like other respiratory infections, diet is also connected to the COVID-19 through immunity. Diets that are sufficient in energy, micronutrients, and macronutrients are important for maintaining a robust immune system, which will help reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19.[6] Flavonoids (plant compounds that can have antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties; found in especially high quantities in tea, chocolate, capers, and oregano)[7] may be a noteworthy phytonutrient for this purpose.[8]
Are there any other treatments for COVID-19?
The steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are the same as other viral respiratory infections. This includes wearing masks to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and aerosols while breathing, practicing social distancing when possible, and engaging in basic hygiene practices such as covering a cough and washing hands or using hand sanitizer.[9][10][11][12][13]
Although there isn’t much research on these practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 specifically, these practices are effective for mitigating the spread of other respiratory viruses.
What causes COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted between people within 6 feet of each other through the air via respiratory droplets and aerosolized particles.[14] Severe disease or death is more common in people who are male, are of older age, have hypertension, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic liver or kidney diseases, cancer, or who are pregnant or have immunodeficiency or are taking immunosuppressive medications.[5]
Examine Database: COVID-19
Research FeedRead all studies
Frequently asked questions
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since it was first described in December 2019, the disease has spread globally. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols, so risk is highest when people spend extended periods in close proximity with someone who is infected. There are many symptoms that COVID-19 and the flu have in common, but certain symptoms, such as a loss of smell or taste, can be a distinguishing factor.
Long COVID is a term used to encompass symptoms and medical complications that occur and/or linger for several months after having COVID-19; these symptoms include fatigue, headache, attention disorder, and trouble breathing. No effective treatment is available, but adaptogens, which are known to reduce fatigue and support the body in response to stress, may provide an option.
The symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear within 2–14 days of contracting the virus and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of smell or taste, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.[1]
COVID-19 is diagnosed using a few different types of tests. Rapid tests look for viral particles and are available to the public, can be self-administered, and provide test results in less than an hour. Lab-based tests are more accurate, but results can take longer to come back. Serum tests can also be used to identify certain antibodies, which indicate if an individual has had a prior infection (or has been vaccinated). [2]
Vaccines are effective for reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as the severity of illness should a vaccinated individual still contract the disease.[3]
Aside from supportive care (rest, hydration, over the counter medications), medical treatment isn’t necessarily recommended in people without risk factors for severe disease. In people who are at risk for severe disease, antiviral therapy (e.g., nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) is a first-line treatment.[4]
Vitamin D has a wide range of effects on inflammation and the immune system. Although low serum vitamin D levels tend to be associated with increased risk of infection, severe illness, and death, studies that administer vitamin D to people prior to or after infection show mixed results.
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are well studied and could possibly reduce the severity of COVID-19.
The National Institute of Health states that “There is insufficient data to recommend either for or against the use of zinc for the treatment of COVID-19,” and “recommends against using zinc supplementation above the recommended dietary allowance for the prevention of COVID-19.”
SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively new coronavirus that emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Hence, there are no long-term RCTs available investigating the effects of micronutrients to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2.
However, there are a lot of hypotheses[15][16][17] based on in vitro data and/or study results from different viral infections outlining the potential mechanisms of micronutrients in COVID-19 and often recommend supplementation, especially for older people and people with deficiencies. In these studies, the authors often claim that the protective effects of micronutrients could be used for COVID-19. However, extrapolating from colds to COVID-19 is speculative and potentially dangerous. A position statement by the International Society For Immunonutrition also recommends increasing the intake of micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, and zinc). However, they make a crucial distinction and disclaimer, by stating, “There is no specific evidence these nutritional measures can help protect against or even lessen the effects of COVID-19 infection.”
In summary, it’s clear that a diverse and well-balanced diet covering all essential micronutrients in adequate amounts (but not exceeding RDAs) supports and strengthens the immune system. Whether this is helpful for preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 remains to be researched in RCTs.
Diet-related health issues, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are major risk factors for severe disease and death in COVID-19.[5] As such, it’s important to have dietary habits that minimize the risk of these health conditions.
Like other respiratory infections, diet is also connected to the COVID-19 through immunity. Diets that are sufficient in energy, micronutrients, and macronutrients are important for maintaining a robust immune system, which will help reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19.[6] Flavonoids (plant compounds that can have antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties; found in especially high quantities in tea, chocolate, capers, and oregano)[7] may be a noteworthy phytonutrient for this purpose.[8]
The steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are the same as other viral respiratory infections. This includes wearing masks to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and aerosols while breathing, practicing social distancing when possible, and engaging in basic hygiene practices such as covering a cough and washing hands or using hand sanitizer.[9][10][11][12][13]
Although there isn’t much research on these practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 specifically, these practices are effective for mitigating the spread of other respiratory viruses.
Good hygiene practices are a simple way to reduce the risk of disease in general and COVID-19 specifically. Coronaviruses are “enveloped viruses”, which means they have a lipid coating with spikes that allow them to bind more easily to targeted tissues. This coating makes coronaviruses more susceptible to soap and disinfectants, including alcohol-based wipes and hand sanitizers.
It’s important to wash your hands correctly. One study in a college town suggested that only around 5% of restroom users washed their hands long enough to remove infection-causing germs,[18] despite how essential this is for reducing virus transmission.[19][20][21][22][23] Also, many people don’t completely dry their hands, and wet hands increase transmission risk.[24]
To properly clean your hands, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them fully
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted between people within 6 feet of each other through the air via respiratory droplets and aerosolized particles.[14] Severe disease or death is more common in people who are male, are of older age, have hypertension, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic liver or kidney diseases, cancer, or who are pregnant or have immunodeficiency or are taking immunosuppressive medications.[5]
References
Examine Database References
- COVID-19 Severity - Shaun Sabico, Mushira A Enani, Eman Sheshah, Naji J Aljohani, Dara A Aldisi, Naif H Alotaibi, Naemah Alshingetti, Suliman Y Alomar, Abdullah M Alnaami, Osama E Amer, Syed D Hussain, Nasser M Al-DaghriEffects of a 2-Week 5000 IU versus 1000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Recovery of Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Covid-19: A Randomized Clinical TrialNutrients.(2021 Jun 24)
- COVID-19 Severity - Marta Entrenas Castillo, Luis Manuel Entrenas Costa, José Manuel Vaquero Barrios, Juan Francisco Alcalá Díaz, José López Miranda, Roger Bouillon, José Manuel Quesada Gomez"Effect of calcifediol treatment and best available therapy versus best available therapy on intensive care unit admission and mortality among patients hospitalized for COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical study"J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol.(2020 Oct)
- COVID-19 Severity - Igor H Murai, Alan L Fernandes, Lucas P Sales, Ana J Pinto, Karla F Goessler, Camila S C Duran, Carla B R Silva, André S Franco, Marina B Macedo, Henrique H H Dalmolin, Janaina Baggio, Guilherme G M Balbi, Bruna Z Reis, Leila Antonangelo, Valeria F Caparbo, Bruno Gualano, Rosa M R PereiraEffect of a Single High Dose of Vitamin D3 on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Moderate to Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical TrialJAMA.(2021 Mar 16)
- Need for mechanical ventilation - Yang Y, Sun W, Yang F, Zhang G, Li X, Sun S, Xing YTherapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19 aggravation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Pharmacol.(2024)
- Length of hospitalization - Ghoreshi ZA, Charostad J, Arefinia N, Nakhaie M, Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd M, Salajegheh FEffect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes in adult patients with COVID-19: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res Perspect.(2024 Oct)
- COVID-19 Severity - Suma Thomas, Divyang Patel, Barbara Bittel, Kathy Wolski, Qiuqing Wang, Anirudh Kumar, Zachary J Il'Giovine, Reena Mehra, Carla McWilliams, Steve E Nissen, Milind Y DesaiEffect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical TrialJAMA Netw Open.(2021 Feb 1)
- COVID-19 Severity - Saeidreza JamaliMoghadamSiahkali, Besharat Zarezade, Sogol Koolaji, SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi, Abolfazl Zendehdel, Mohammad Tabarestani, Ehsan Sekhavati Moghadam, Ladan Abbasian, Seyed Ali Dehghan Manshadi, Mohamadreza Salehi, Malihe Hasannezhad, Sara Ghaderkhani, Mohsen Meidani, Faeze Salahshour, Fatemeh Jafari, Navid Manafi, Fereshteh GhiasvandSafety and effectiveness of high-dose vitamin C in patients with COVID-19: a randomized open-label clinical trialEur J Med Res.(2021 Feb 11)
- COVID-19 Severity - Hamed Valizadeh, Samaneh Abdolmohammadi-Vahid, Svetlana Danshina, Mehmet Ziya Gencer, Ali Ammari, Armin Sadeghi, Leila Roshangar, Saeed Aslani, Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh, Mahnaz Ghaebi, Sepehr Valizadeh, Majid AhmadiNano-curcumin therapy, a promising method in modulating inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patientsInt Immunopharmacol.(2020 Dec)
- COVID-19 Severity - Papadaki A, Coy EM, Anastasilakis DA, Peradze N, Mantzoros CSThe role of plant-based dietary patterns in reducing COVID-19 risk and/or severity in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Clin Nutr.(2024 Jul)