People with COVID-19 report a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following signs and symptoms:
Anyone with symptoms should be tested. In general, you do not need a test if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
Use the CDC Self-Checker to guide you to make a decision and seek appropriate medical care.
The CDC recommends testing for anyone in close contact with someone who is infected.
The incubation period (the time between being exposed and developing symptoms) is 2 to 14 days, with about 50% of people showing symptoms around day 5. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC’s website.
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Stay home.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
Take care of yourself.
Rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
Stay in touch with your medical provider.
Call ahead before you seek medical care. Be sure to see a doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
Avoid public transportation.
If sick you should avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis. Using public transportation when sick increase your chances of spreading COVID-19.
Avoid close contact with other people and animals.
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering. Wash your hands before and after contact with your pets.
Students, faculty and staff who are exposed to or have a confirmed case of COVID-19 should follow guidelines for self-isolation or self-quarantine as appropriate until healthy.
Call ahead before seeking medical care.
- Let your health care provider know you are being evaluated for COVID-19 before visiting the medical office to help prevent the spread of illness.
- If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and notify the dispatcher that you are being evaluated for COVID-19.
Stay home if you are sick.
- Restrict activities outside of your home unless you need medical care.
- Do not go to work, school or other public areas.
- Do not use public transportation, ride-shares or taxis.
Avoid close contact with other people and animals.
- Stay in a specific room/area of your home and avoid close contact with others (as much as possible).
- Use a separate bathroom and wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after using the bathroom.
- Avoid close contact with pets and other animals. If you are caring for a pet, wash your hands before and after you feed and interact with it, and wear a face covering.
Wash your hands often.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Germs can travel up to 6 feet when you cough or sneeze. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve even while wearing a face covering.
- Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
- Wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid sharing items.
Avoid sharing dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels and bedding with other people or pets in your home. Wash these items thoroughly after using.
Clean common surfaces.
- Clean common surfaces like counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables
- Clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool or other body fluids on them.
- Use a household cleaning spray or wipes according to the label instructions for safety and precautions.
Monitor your symptoms.
- If your symptoms are worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing), call your health care provider and let them know that you have been evaluated for COVID-19 before visiting the medical office.
- People who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their medical provider.
- If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, tell the dispatcher that you have been evaluated for COVID-19. Put on a face covering before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation.
- Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
- The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made in consultation with health care providers, and state and local health departments.