Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) - updated October 15, 2020
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. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/people-at-higher-risk.html
Prevention information:
Although research is progressing, there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, there are some everyday preventive actions you can take to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Protect Your Health This Flu Season
It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both patients with flu and patients with COVID-19. This means getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 there are many important benefits, such as:
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Boston Children's Hospital has put together excellent information about coronavirus. Visit their website at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/coronavirus
American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
Mass Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever (> 100.0), chills, or shaking chills
- Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue when in combination with other symptoms
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache when in combination with other symptoms
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other symptoms
- Nausea , vomiting, or diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/people-at-higher-risk.html
Prevention information:
Although research is progressing, there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, there are some everyday preventive actions you can take to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands OFTEN with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you are around others (Please find information here on masks and facial coverings. )
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Protect Your Health This Flu Season
It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both patients with flu and patients with COVID-19. This means getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 there are many important benefits, such as:
- Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.
- Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Boston Children's Hospital has put together excellent information about coronavirus. Visit their website at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/coronavirus
American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
Mass Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19
