About 8 in 10 people who get COVID-19 will have only mild illness, according to WebMD. Because researchers who track infections and recoveries only have data on confirmed cases, they can’t count people who don’t get COVID-19 tests.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
Not everyone who catches COVID-19 will notice symptoms. The most common sign is a fever, which for most adults is 100.4 or higher. About 14% of people who have the new coronavirus need to stay in the hospital to get help breathing. This might last 2 weeks or more.
Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?
It is not yet known whether weather and temperature affect the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.
How to discontinue home isolation
People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
• You no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
• you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.
In all cases, follow the guidance of your health-care provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your health-care provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
Protect yourself and others
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Take the following steps to minimize your risk:
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Distance yourself from others when in public, especially if you are a senior or have a medical condition that puts you in a high-risk category.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when in public.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue. Throw the used tissue away and immediately wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily – including phones, keyboards, doorknobs, handles and light switches.
For more details and to view this information in other languages online, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.
