Symptoms

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu and can cause more serious illnesses in some people. Compared to the flu, COVID-19 symptoms can take longer to show and people can be contagious for longer as well.

Symptoms for flu and COVID-19 are similar, so testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

The CDC has more information about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19.

The virus is spreading rapidly in our communities. If you aren’t feeling well, regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated, you may be infected with COVID-19. Do not dismiss your symptoms. Stay home and get tested after your symptoms start.

If you were exposed to someone who has the virus – regardless of whether or not they have symptoms–you may be infected. It’s important to avoid contact with others and get tested 5 days after exposure. Learn how to get tested safely and conveniently.

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

In addition, a significant percentage of infected people are asymptomatic – or have no symptoms.

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Call 9-1-1: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Isolate for 5 days

• Whether or not you get tested–and even if you test negative–stay at home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

• Monitor your symptoms for 5 days from the time they start or 10 days from the last date of exposure to an infected person.

• Wear a well-fitted mask for 10 full days when around others inside your home and indoors in public.

Learn more about testing and isolation.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms.

• If you can easily get a PCR or home test, you should do so.
• If you can’t easily get a test, assume you have COVID-19 and act accordingly—isolate for at least 5 days and let your contacts/employer/school/healthcare provider know.

If you have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19.

• Test at least 5 full days after your last exposure even if you don’t have symptoms.

Even if you do NOT have symptoms of COVID-19, but you:

• are prioritized for testing (e.g. hospitalized patients, residents in long-term care facilities).
• need it for travel requirements.
• have taken part in activities where physical distancing was not possible.
• have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, or healthcare provider.

If you have been a close contact at home and have symptoms 

• Treat yourself as a positive and isolate.

If you have been recently released from isolation after having COVID-19

• You may continue to test positive for up to 90 days.
• A repeat test is NOT recommended for returning to work.

Anyone who has recently had a positive test and want to double check whether you are ‘really positive’

• If you test positive—just once— isolate for at least 5 days and let your contacts/employer/school know (this includes for at home, or over the counter tests.).