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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination.
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Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

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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.

UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Symptoms of COVID-19Symptoms of COVID-19

Updated Mar. 22, 2022

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Watch for Symptoms
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. 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

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

virus light icon Omicron Variant: Learn what you should know about Omicron and other COVID-19 variants.

Feeling Sick?
user md chat light iconCoronavirus Self-CheckerA tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care.

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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

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

head side mask light iconDifference between Flu and COVID-19Influenza (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 first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
More about Flu and COVID-19

Handout and VideosHANDOUTSymptoms of COVID-19 pdf icon[460 KB, 1 page] Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness.
VIDEOSymptoms of COVID-19 [00:00:21] Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
VIDEOASL Symptoms of Coronavirus [00:09:25]

More Information
People at Increased Risk for Severe Illness
Healthcare Workers: Information on COVID-19

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Last Updated Mar. 22, 2022 Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

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