Generally, people who have COVID-19 become sick 2–14 days after being exposed to someone with the virus. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

If you have mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others until you feel completely better for three consecutive days. You’re safer staying home with mild symptoms rather than exposing others or being exposed to the illness.

If you have a fever or cough, you should be tested if:

• You’re over the age of 50.
• You’re a health care worker.
• You live or work in a group setting like a nursing home or shelter.
• You have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease.
• You’ve had contact with a known case of COVID-19 within 14 days.
• You have a severe or worsening illness and must be hospitalized.

If you think you need to be tested for COVID-19, call your primary care provider’s office. If you don’t have a primary care provider or have other questions, call the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline at (800) 722-7112.

Learn more about getting tested for COVID-19.

Learn what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.