COVID-19

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms can include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell

New variants of COVID-19 appear each year. To keep up, scientists update the COVID-19 vaccine so it provides the best possible protection against emerging strains.

SARS-CoV-2 circulates year-round, but illness tends to peak twice a year—once in late summer and once in winter. This pattern is expected to continue as the virus keeps evolving. Because the winter peak falls during respiratory virus season (November through April), many people choose to get an updated vaccine beforehand to stay protected when COVID-19 is more common. Getting an updated 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine provides protection during times of higher spread.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends COVID-19 vaccination for:

• All children ages 6–23 months
• Children and teens ages 2–18 years who are at high risk for severe COVID-19

Children ages 2–18 who aren't in any of the risk groups above can also get vaccinated if their parent or guardian would like them to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant people receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine:

• At any point during pregnancy
• When planning to become pregnant
• During the postpartum period
• While lactating

The American Academy of Family Physicians and Illinois Department of Public Health recommend an updated COVID-19 vaccine for all adults age 19 and older. Particular emphasis is recommended for the following groups:

• All adults ages 65 and older: two or more doses administered 6 months apart.
• Adults at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
• Adults who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination is recommended for health care personnel because of their frequent occupational exposure to patients at high risk of severe disease.

See IDSA 2026 Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Infections in Immunocompromised Patients for additional guidance.

Antiviral treatment is recommended for hospitalized individuals, as well as non-hospitalized individuals with one or more risk factors for severe COVID-19. Treatment should be started as soon as possible, within 5 to 7 days of symptom onset.

Other ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a high-quality face mask
• Stay home when you’re sick

Champaign County Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Reports