If you think you had COVID-19
If you have or think you might have COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people. Staying away from others helps stop the spread of COVID-19. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
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. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
ASL: Symptoms of Coronavirus Video
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Visit CDC Self Check Symptoms tab for testing recommendations.
I think or know I had COVID-19, and I had symptoms
You can be with others after
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
- Symptoms have improved
Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you might get tested to see if you still have COVID-19. If you are tested, you can be around others when you have no fever, respiratory symptoms have improved, and you receive two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.
I tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms
If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after:
- 10 days have passed since test
Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you might get tested to see if you still have COVID-19. If you will be tested, you can be around others after you receive two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.
If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for “I think or know I had COVID, and I had symptoms.”
I have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) due to a health condition or medication. When can I be around others?
People with conditions that weaken their immune system might need to stay home longer than 10 days. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information. If testing is available in your community, it may be recommended by your healthcare provider. You can be with others after you receive two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.
If testing is not available in your area, your doctor should work with an infectious disease expert at your local health department to determine if you are likely to spread COVID-19 to others and need to stay home longer.
For Anyone Who Has Been Around a Person with COVID-19
It is important to remember that anyone who has close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after exposure based on the time it takes to develop illness.
Works Cited
Articles:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM33441
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fneed-extra-precautions%2Fgroups-at-higher-risk.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html
Photographs:
- https://www.startribune.com/if-you-think-you-have-had-covid-19-can-you-be-tested-to-prove-it/570174311/
- https://medium.com/wadepthealth/covid-19-testing-process-what-you-need-to-know-ad741ed1a806
Videos:
Credits:
Created with an image by Idin Ebrahimi - "Expectation"