Preservation
Watch for Symptoms
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is an ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop Symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.
If You Are at Higher Risk for Serious Illness
People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
If You Are Very Sick Get Medical Attention Immediately
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include (See Note):
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Note
This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
For Healthcare Professionals
For information on testing for healthcare professionals, see recommendations for reporting, testing, and specimen collection at the FAQs for Healthcare Professionals page.
Depending on your travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice). Countries that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (widespread, ongoing transmission):
- China
- Iran
- South Korea
- Europe (Schengen Area):
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
- United Kingdom and Ireland:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Republic of Ireland