Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) or never develop symptoms (asymptomatic).
Core symptoms
Some of the more commonly reported symptoms (core symptoms) include:
- Fever (temperature equal to or over 38°C)
- Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
- Runny nose or sore throat (core symptoms for adults)
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
If you have any of these core symptoms, you need to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer, or until you test negative.
Other symptoms (Adults over 18)
If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve. Testing is recommended.
- Stuffy nose
- Painful swallowing
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle or joint aches
- Feeling unwell or fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite
- Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye
Other symptoms (Children under 18)
If they have one of these other symptoms, have them stay home for 24 hours and get tested if their symptoms don't improve. If they have two or more of these other symptoms, have them get tested and stay home until the symptoms are gone or until they test negative.
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Painful swallowing
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle or joint aches
- Feeling unwell or fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite
- Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye
Monitor your symptoms
Monitor your health and call Health Link 811, or your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.
Book a test
You should stay home and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom or known exposure to COVID-19. Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.
Take the Assessment / Book a Test
Learn about the Rapid Testing Program