COVID-19 Symptoms

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Source:   CDC

If you are feeling sick, call your healthcare provider. If you have COVID-19, make sure your doctor is aware before you show up at the doctor’s office. They will decide how you can best access medical care, through videoconferencing or other means.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency call 911. Inform them you have COVID-19.

Avoid the emergency room unless you are having a severe illness.  If you must go, try to call ahead and tell them you have COVID-19.For more information check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for more information. 

Source:  CDC, Marin HHS   

No, please do not call 911 unless you have a true emergency. We have noticed an increase in 911 calls for service with patients who have fevers and minor symptoms. While we recognize many are concerned about COVID-19, such symptoms do not require 911 ambulance response. The most appropriate response to such symptoms is to reach out to your medical provider. This will allow our emergency response system to stay fully available for medical emergencies.

As defined by the CDC, a Person Under Investigation (PUI) is any person currently under investigation for having the virus that causes COVID-19. A Person Under Investigation should be directed to COVID testing and quarantine under the guidance of their health care professional or Marin Public Health.

Source:  CDC, Marin HHS

Most people will have minor symptoms and should:

• call their healthcare provider for advice
• stay at home
• isolate from others, including household members

If you develop emergency warning signs, such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, seek medical attention immediately.

Source:  Marin HHS

Fever, cough or shortness of breath does not necessarily mean you have COVID-19.  However, in order to protect others, you should act as though you do.  Call your healthcare provider for advice. Stay at home and isolate yourself from others in your home for at least 7 days after your first symptoms AND at least 3 days fever free (without fever-reducing medicine), and other symptoms improve. 

Source:  Marin HHS, CDC

People may be sick infected with the virus for 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are: 

• fever 

• tiredness 

• dry cough 

• shortness of breath 

Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. However, If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*: 

• Trouble breathing 

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 

• New confusion or inability to arouse 

• Bluish lips or face 

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. 

Sources:  CDC, World Health Organization