This article was last reviewed on June 21, 2022.

COVID-19 is an illness that can affect the lungs, skin, nervous system, blood as well as other organs. Here you’ll find all of the latest information on the symptoms and what you should do if you think you are sick.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

COVID-19 patients may have:

• 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

If you have any of these emergency symptoms, seek care immediately (call 911 or go to the nearest emergency care facility):

• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away
• New confusion
• Have trouble waking up or staying awake
• Skin, lips or nail beds are pale, grey or blue

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you tested positive:

• you should stay home and isolate for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or positive test)
• you can end isolation after 5 full days if your symptoms are getting better and you have not had a fever without medication for at least 24 hours
• you should continue wearing a well-fitted mask for a full 10 days
• you should avoid travel and avoid being around people that are high risk for 10 days

People that are immunocompromised or those that have moderate or severe symptoms may need to isolate for a longer period of time. Please speak to your healthcare provider.

Most people with COVID-19 infection have a mild illness and can recover at home.

For those at high risk of getting very sick, there are medications available that can reduce your chances of severe illness and death. There are also medications that can help reduce symptoms.

Even if your symptoms are mild, contact your healthcare provider right away to see if you are eligible for treatment. Treatments for COVID-19 infection should be prescribed by your healthcare provider and they should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective.

In severe cases of COVID-19, treatment includes admission to the hospital and care focused on supporting the person through the course of the virus while their immune system works to overcome it.

If you think you or a family member may have a post-COVID condition (new or persistent conditions occurring 4 or more weeks after initial infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19), taking a few steps to prepare for your meeting with a healthcare provider can make all the difference in getting the proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Use this checklist before your next healthcare visit.

Every household in the US can order free rapid COVID-19 tests from https://www.covidtests.gov/

Testing plays an important part in our battle against the COVID-19 coronavirus. Here is more information about the testing available in the US and how to get tested. Please note, Babylon does not offer private COVID-19 tests.

There are two types of viral tests used currently: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests.³ These viral tests involve swabbing the inside of your nose or your mouth to check for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These tests are available from a healthcare provider or for at home testing. Check your local health department website for the latest information on testing.

You should get tested if³

• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 min or more over a 24 hour period) with someone with COVID-19
  • Get tested at least 5 days after your exposure and monitor your symptoms. If you develop symptoms, you should get tested immediately.
• You have recently been involved in an activity that would put you at higher risk such as travel, attending a mass gathering or being in a crowded indoor setting
• You have been asked by a healthcare provider, school, workplace or health department to get tested

An antibody test may tell you if you had an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 in the past.⁴ This test should not be used to diagnose a current infection. Check with your local health department or healthcare provider about how to get tested.

If you have a positive antibody test

• It could mean that you have antibodies from the virus that causes COVID-19
• It could mean that it may be positive because you have antibodies from a different coronavirus

Even if you do have antibodies to the virus, we do not have enough information at this time about how much protection you may have from getting infected again or how long that protection may last, so you should continue to follow precautions to protect yourself and others.

If you have a negative antibody test

• It could mean you have never had COVID-19
• It could mean that you are infected currently or have been recently infected (it usually takes 1-3 weeks after infection for your body to develop antibodies although some people may take longer)
• Some people may never develop antibodies after an infection

Talk with your healthcare provider about your specific results and what they mean.

If you are waiting for your COVID-19 test results

• Stay home and stay away from others if you think you may have COVID-19
• If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine for at least 5 days if
  • you have not completed your primary vaccine series
  • you are 5 years or older and have not received your booster shot after your primary series
• Watch for symptoms and contact your healthcare professional for advice if needed

If you test positive, with or without symptoms

• You should self-isolate and monitor your symptoms
• You can end self-isolation after⁵
  • 5 full days since your symptoms first started AND
  • You have not had a fever for 24 hours without using any fever reducing medication AND
  • Your symptoms are improving
• You should wear a well fitting mask, avoid travel and avoid being around people that are high risk for a full 10 days
• Seek emergency medical care if your symptoms are severe or worsening
• Tell your close contacts they may have been exposed to COVID-19

If you test negative and have no symptoms

• Continue to wear a well fitting mask at home and in public for 10 days after your last exposure to someone with COVID-19
• Continue to monitor your symptoms

If you test negative and have symptoms

• Follow isolation precautions
• If your symptoms do not improve, contact your healthcare provider - you may need additional testing or an evaluation
• Seek emergency medical care if your symptoms are severe or worsening

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read here.