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COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, in different age groups and depending on the COVID-19 variant. You may start experiencing symptoms anywhere from 1 to 14 days after exposure. Typically, symptoms appear between 3 and 7 days after exposure. Some of the more commonly reported symptoms include:

  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • new or worsening cough
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • temperature equal to or more than 38°C
  • feeling feverish
  • chills
  • fatigue or weakness
  • muscle or body aches
  • new loss of smell or taste
  • headache
  • abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
  • feeling very unwell

If you don’t feel well or if you have any symptoms, even if mild, assume you may have COVID-19. Immediately isolate at home and away from others until your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).

For more information please see: 

Protection from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses

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