Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19
Updated Mar. 22, 2022
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Watch for Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • 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. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

virus light icon Omicron Variant: Learn what you should know about Omicron and other COVID-19 variants.

Feeling Sick?

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Coronavirus Self-Checker

A tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care.

Get Started About the Tool

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If You Are Sick
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Testing for COVID-19
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Quarantine and Isolation
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Caring for Someone Who is Sick

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19:

  • 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

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

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Difference between Flu and COVID-19

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.

More about Flu and COVID-19

Handout and Videos

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HANDOUT

Symptoms of COVID-19 pdf icon[460 KB, 1 page]

Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness.

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VIDEO

Symptoms of COVID-19 [00:00:21]

Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

ASL Symptoms of Coronavirus
VIDEO

ASL Symptoms of Coronavirus [00:09:25]

More Information