Skip to content
UT Health RGV
Covid 19

COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a virus that was discovered in 2019.

Symptoms for COVID-19 vary per person and the illness can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, body aches, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.

This virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets whenever an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. If you were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or you are experiencing any symptoms, consider scheduling a COVID-19 test.

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters is one of the most effective ways to avoid severe illness from COVID-19.


MORE ON HOW TO STAY PROTECTED

-

Symptoms

Symptoms for COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Be mindful of the following:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Congestion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Body aches
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Loss of taste
  • Loss of smell
-

Testing

When considering a test for COVID-19, here is what you need to know:



  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should test immediately.
  • If you were exposed to COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 days after your exposure before testing.
  • There are different types of COVID-19 tests available, such as rapid antigen tests and PCR-based tests. It’s important to know which test is right for your circumstance.
-

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Know the following:

  • The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
  • COVID-19 boosters help restore protection against the virus and provide broader protection against newer variants.
  • Even if you’ve had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated for added protection.

Treatments for COVID-19

If you do test positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing any symptoms, treatments are available to help you manage your illness.


MORE ON TREATMENTS

COVID-19: Understanding Your Risk

COVID-19 can affect anyone. Understanding your risk for infection can help you make informed decisions that will keep you healthy and safe.

Vaccine Locations Near You:

COVID-19 vaccines are available at our UT Health RGV locations listed below.

Locations & Directions

Brownsville
Edinburg
Harlingen
Mercedes
Weslaco
logo
Cortez Hall, Suite 237
Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: (956) 882-3896
Fax: (956) 882-3891
Directions
logo
4150 Crosspoint Blvd.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: OBGYN: (956) 296-3041, PEDS: (956) 296-1960
Fax: OBGYN: (956) 296-3040, PEDS: (956) 296-2855
Directions
logo
613 N. Sugar Road
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: Stu: (956) 665-2511, Emp: (956) 296-1731
Fax: Stu: (956) 665-2512, Emp: (956) 296-1730
Directions
logo
3804 South Jackson Road, Ste #2
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 296-3021
Fax: (956) 296-3020
Directions
logo
2106 Treasure Hills Blvd., Suite 1.326
Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone: (956) 296-1519
Fax: (956) 296-1331
Directions
logo
2106 Treasure Hills Blvd #1.326
Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone: (956) 296-1519
Fax: (956) 296-1331
Directions
logo
2810 W. Expressway 83
Mercedes, TX. 78570
Phone: (956) 296-1831
Fax: (956) 296-2970
Directions
logo
1330 E. Sixth Street, Suite 105
Weslaco, TX. 78596
Phone: (956) 296-7710
Fax: (956) 296-7705
Directions

Additional COVID-19 Information