COVID-19: What Is It?
COVID-19 is a new or novel, coronavirus and is highly contagious. COVID-19 is transmitted person-to-person, with illnesses ranging from mild to severe. Person-to-person spread means being in close contact with an infected person or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Older people, especially those with a history of underlying health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, seem to be at the greatest risk of complications if exposed to the coronavirus.
It is important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and booster vaccines to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Possible COVID-19 Symptoms
These possible symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:
- 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 an individual may experience.
*According to the CDC
What to Do if You Feel Sick
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should considering calling your doctor or a health care provider to set up an appointment to be tested.
As a first step, please explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor’s office, an immediate care center or emergency department.
You should also mention if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19:
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 to stay awake
- Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility. Please notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your doctor or a health care provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning you.