Symptoms
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?
Find where you can pick up tests to take home.
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.