COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2 that can spread from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness. People can also be asymptomatic (have no symptoms) and still spread the virus to others.

A man checks a thermometer to see if he has a fever, while holding his forehead.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include

People with COVID-19 may have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. They symptoms may appear 2-14 days after they are exposed to the virus. The following list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19, and symptoms may change as the new variants of the virus emerge.

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Stay home and away from others if you are sick. Talk to your health care provider if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may help lower your risk. People with higher risk factors for sever illness include older adults, young children, people with weakened immune systems, people with disabilities and pregnant people.

For more information, go to CDC|Symptoms of COVID-19.