What should I do if I have symptoms of the coronavirus disease?

Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas and do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

Stay at home away from others (isolate), except to get medical care.

Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
Avoid contact with other household members and pets.
Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
Wear a mask if you must be around other people inside and outside your household.

How long can symptoms of COVID-19 last?

Acute COVID-19. Once symptoms appear, you have entered the acute stage. You may have fever, cough and other COVID-19 symptoms. Active illness can last one to two weeks if you have mild or moderate coronavirus disease, but severe cases can last months.

What is the treatment for mild COVID-19?

Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the infection. For milder illness, resting at home and taking medicine to reduce fever is often sufficient. Antiviral pills such as Paxlovid or molnupiravir may be prescribed by a doctor if a patient is eligible.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Watch what it's like to get tested for COVID-19

What are some symptoms of COVID-19?

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

Can you get the COVID-19 from someone who has no symptoms?

Both flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms; by people with very mild symptoms; and by people who never experience symptoms (asymptomatic people).

Can I recover at home if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you are sick:

• Keep track of your symptoms.
• If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), call 911.

What medication should I take for mild COVID-19 symptoms?

If you are worried about your symptoms, the Coronavirus Self-Checker can assist in the decision to seek care. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better. Learn more about what to do if you are sick.

What are some of the medications that I can take to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can all be used for pain relief from COVID-19 if they are taken in the recommended doses and approved by your doctor.

How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

Fortunately, people who have mild to moderate symptoms typically recover in a few days or weeks.

Is it normal for COVID-19 symptoms to last more than 10 days?

People with post-COVID conditions can have a wide range of symptoms that can last more than four weeks or even months after infection. Sometimes the symptoms can even go away or come back again.

Can COVID-19 symptoms come and go?

Yes. During the recovery process, people with COVID-19 might experience recurring symptoms alternating with periods of feeling better. Varying degrees of fever, fatigue and breathing problems can occur, on and off, for days or even weeks.

Should I go to the hospital if I have mild COVID-19 symptoms?

Mild COVID-19 cases still can make you feel lousy. But you should be able to rest at home and recover fully without a trip to the hospital.

What are some examples of mild illness of the coronavirus disease?

Mild Illness: Individuals who have any of the various signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell) but who do not have shortness of breath, dyspnea, or abnormal chest imaging.

Can ibuprofen worsen the symptons of the coronavirus disease?

CDC is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID‑19.

Can taking vitamin D prevent COVID-19?

Vitamin D is thought to have protective effects on the immune system, but it’s not yet known whether it could help prevent or treat COVID-19. New research has noted higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death in areas where people have lower levels of vitamin D in their system. But those studies show an association – not that low vitamin D makes someone more likely to get COVID-19. Research is ongoing.

Can you take Tylenol or Advil after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine. This is recommended by experts because it can help ease the side effects you might experience.

What are some things I can do at home if I have COVID-19?

Rest and Drink Fluids. Get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to significant dehydration, which can make you feel worse. Keep a big bottle of water by your bed and drink from it frequently. Broth soups, tea with honey, and fruit juice are also good choices.

Can I stay at home if I have the coronavirus disease?

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

How does COVID-19 transmit from person-to-person?

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets or tiny particles called aerosols carry the virus into the air from their nose or mouth. Anyone who is within 6 feet of that person can breathe it into their lungs.

How does COVID-19 spread?

This means that COVID-19 can spread quickly. The virus is usually spread from person to person by: Close contact with an infectious person. Contact with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.

Can I have COVID-19 if I have fever?

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19.

What are the most common organs affected by COVID-19?

Lungs are the main organs affected by COVID-19; however, the virus can also affect other organs, such as the kidneys, brain, and liver. Lungs are the main organs affected by COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 symptoms get worse as it goes along?

COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.