To know if you have COVID-19, watch for common symptoms that typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms include:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fever or chills
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Headaches and body or muscle aches
- Digestive issues such as upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Cold-like symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, or sore throat
Some people may only have a few symptoms or none at all but can still spread the virus. If symptoms appear, they may worsen about 7 to 14 days after onset. Severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face. The only way to definitively know if you have COVID-19 is to get tested, using either rapid antigen tests or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. If experiencing symptoms or suspect exposure, it is advised to isolate at home, monitor symptoms, and seek testing. If symptoms become severe, seek emergency medical help immediately.
