What are the symptoms?

Patients who get sick with COVID-19 develop mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • fever
  • cough
  • difficulty breathing

Many common illnesses can cause these same symptoms. COVID-19 can only be diagnosed at a public health laboratory. Individuals who have these symptoms and have traveled to China or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be seen by a doctor or medical professional.

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Show All Answers

1. What are the symptoms?
2. How does it spread?
3. How is it treated?
4. How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
5. Do I need to wear a mask?
6. What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?
7. What if I recently traveled to China?