Joe Biden, the U.S. President has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House said. In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden tested positive “following his first event in Las Vegas.” The President is vaccinated and boosted and has mild symptoms.

Jean-Pierre said, “He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”

The statement said that Biden’s symptoms included a runny nose, nonproductive cough and “general malaise”. His doctor said he has already taken his first dose of Paxlovid which is a medication that is associated with reducing the chance of hospitalization or death.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. People who get infected with the virus have mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for any special treatment. However, some people tend to get very sick and might need medical attention. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. “Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.”

The virus spreads from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of the disease. Stay at least 1 metre apart from others, wear a well-fitted mask, wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Also, get vaccinated.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global outbreak of coronavirus. WHO says that the first cases of the disease were detected in China in December 2019, with the virus spreading rapidly to other countries across the world. “This led WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020 and to characterize the outbreak as a pandemic on 11 March 2020.”

The symptoms of the infectious disease can vary from person to person. Some people with the disease don’t develop any symptoms, however, they still can spread the disease. Here, take a look at some of the commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19.

One might also have several other symptoms. These symptoms can appear within two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Here are some other symptoms which can be an indication of serious complication. These symptoms include: