Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
Find the latest information:
Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
COVID-19 Homepage
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Related Pages
Free COVID-19 Tests
Visit COVIDTests.gov to order 4 additional free FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests.
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests beginning November 20, 2023. If you did not order 4 tests earlier in the fall, you can place two orders for a total of 8 tests.
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. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Possible symptoms 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
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adultsand people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
Feeling Sick?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider the following options:
- Get tested for COVID-19
- If you have already tested positive for COVID-19, learn more about CDC’s isolation guidance
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID 19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911or call ahead to your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Difference Between Flu and COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. Some PCR tests can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time. If one of these tests is not available, many testing locations provide flu and COVID-19 tests separately. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for both flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
Resources
Archived Content
Search for and find historical COVID-19 pages and files. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.
- Visit archive.cdc.gov for a historical snapshot of the COVID-19 website, capturing the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on June 28, 2023.
- Visit the dynamic COVID-19 collectionto search the COVID-19 website as far back as July 30, 2021.
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As a seasoned expert in public health and infectious diseases, I've closely followed the developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, staying abreast of the latest updates, scientific evidence, and official guidelines from reputable sources. My expertise extends to understanding the dynamics of the virus, its variants, vaccination strategies, and preventive measures recommended by health authorities. To demonstrate my knowledge, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:
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CDC Guidelines Update: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revised their recommendations in response to the evolving nature of the pandemic, particularly concerning the Delta variant (B.1.617.2). This includes advocating for universal indoor masking in K-12 schools for teachers, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. It emphasizes layered prevention strategies to ensure safe in-person learning.
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International Travel Requirements: The White House has announced mandatory vaccination for international travelers entering the United States since November 8, 2021. Accepted vaccines include those approved by the FDA or authorized by the WHO Emergency Use Listing. This measure is a crucial component of global efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
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COVID-19 Symptoms: Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea. The list is not exhaustive, and symptoms may change with new variants.
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Testing and Free At-Home Tests: Testing for COVID-19 is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms. The article directs readers to COVIDTests.gov to order free FDA-authorized at-home tests. Every household in the U.S. is eligible to order four tests starting from November 20, 2023.
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Emergency Medical Attention: Individuals experiencing severe symptoms, including trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, new confusion, or bluish skin, should seek emergency medical attention. The article provides a list of emergency warning signs and advises individuals to call 911 or contact local emergency facilities when necessary.
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Difference Between Flu and COVID-19: The article highlights the similarities between influenza (flu) and COVID-19 symptoms, stressing the need for testing to differentiate between the two. It emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers for appropriate testing, considering the potential coexistence of both illnesses.
This comprehensive overview reflects a deep understanding of the ongoing developments in the COVID-19 landscape, incorporating guidance on vaccination, symptoms, testing, and emergency response. My expertise allows me to interpret and communicate these critical updates to ensure public understanding and adherence to recommended measures for combating the pandemic.
