Covid Symptoms & Treatment

Covid is a serious virus that spreads quickly and is very contagious. More than 1.1 million people in the United States have died from Covid since 2020.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Covid can range from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Symptoms may include:

  • 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

Symptoms will vary from person to person and may change with new Covid variants. This list does not include all symptoms people may experience. Some people may experience Long Covid with respiratory, heart, neurological and digestive symptoms that may last weeks, months or even years.

Treating Covid

Most people with Covid have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Be sure to stay home and rest.

People who are more likely to get very sick from Covid include:

  • Older adults, those 65 years or older. The risk further increases with advanced age.

  • People who are unvaccinated or are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations,

  • People with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

There are antiviral treatments available to help alleviate symptoms. Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within 5–7 days of when you first develop symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider immediately to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are currently mild.

Preventing Covid

The best way to protect yourself from Covid is to get vaccinated against Covid. Vaccination can help protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hygiene habits, including washing hands frequently, avoiding people who are sick, and staying home when you feel sick.

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