Symptoms of COVID-19

For the most complete information about COVID-19 symptoms and risks, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or contact your health care provider. Be prepared. Know the symptoms of COVID-19, which may include:

  • Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Fever or chills
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Symptoms Requiring Emergency Care

Seek medical care immediately if you have experienced emergency warning signs of COVID-19. If you are on campus, contact Security Services at 253.879.3311. If you are off campus, call 911. Warning signs include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

IF YOU ARE A STUDENT LIVING ON CAMPUS OR IN THE LOCAL AREA

  • Contact Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services at 253.879.1555 or chws@pugetsound.edu, or your primary care provider for medical advice.
  • Notify your professors.
  • Self-isolate immediately, staying at home and away from others—even within your own home—until at least 10 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever (without fever-reducing medication) and symptoms have improved.

IF YOU ARE A FACULTY OR STAFF MEMBER

  • Contact your primary care provider or the local public health department for guidance.
  • Notify your supervisor or department chair.
  • Self-isolate immediately, staying at home and away from others—even within your own home—until at least 10 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever (without fever-reducing medication) and symptoms have improved.

COVID-19 Definitions

  • Coronavirus: Coronaviruses comprise a family a viruses, some of which cause disease in people and animals, named for crownlike spikes on their surfaces. 
  • COVID-19: COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019, is caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. 
  • Quarantine: When someone is in quarantine, that person will stay home and away from others for 14 days after being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19
  • Isolation: When someone is in isolation, that person is sick or tested positive for COVID-19 (even without symptoms) and will stay home and away from others—even within their own home—until at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved.