Common Signs and Symptoms
In this lesson, the student will learn and later identify the common signs and symptoms of the disease
Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period. Common signs and symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Early symptoms of COVID-19 may include a loss of taste or smell.
- Other symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illnesses.
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Some people may have only a few symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all. Some people may experience worsened symptoms, such as worsened shortness of breath and pneumonia, about a week after symptoms start. A person who is living in the same house as an individual with COVID-19 and who uses the recommended precautions is considered to be at medium level of risk to contract the virus. People who are older have a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and the risk increases with age. People who have existing medical conditions also may have a higher risk of serious illness.