Learn about COVID-19
Symptoms
The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can stay at home during their illness.They should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick (PDF)
When to seek immediate medical attention
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion or inability to arouse.
- Bluish lips or face.
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Anyone who is sick during the COVID-19 crisis should seek medical care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services. Information for impacted immigrant and refugee communities.
Prevention
Health officials recommend taking the same precautions for COVID-19 as you would for avoiding colds and the flu:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19
Guidance for employers, communities and individuals about what they can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Cloth face coverings (homade masks)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.