Symptoms

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COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold or flu, but it can also harm other parts of the body. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become very sick. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to COVID-19.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms.

Some people with COVID-19 experience long-term effects, like shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog. This is known as post-COVID conditions or long COVID.

Feeling sick?

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More Testing Options

Exposure and Isolation Guidance 

My COVID-19 Plan - a fillable form that helps prepare you in case you get sick with COVID-19

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have any of these signs:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

In the event of an emergency, call 911.