Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases[1].

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Typical Symptoms

Coronavirus COVID-19 causes flu-like symptoms.
Most observed symptoms are fever, followed by a dry cough.
After a week, it can lead to shortness of breath, with about 20% of patients requiring hospital treatment.

Notably, the COVID-19 infection rarely seems to cause a runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat (these symptoms have been observed in only about 5% of patients). Sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose are most often signs of a cold.

Mild cases

Chinese CCDC released on February 17 and published in the Chinese Journal of Epidemiology :

• 80.9% of infections are mild (with flu-like symptoms) and can recover at home.
• 13.8% are severe, developing severe diseases including pneumonia and shortness of breath.
• 4.7% as critical and can include: respiratory failure, septic shock, and multi-organ failure.
• in about 2% of reported cases the virus is fatal.
• Risk of death increases the older you are.
• Relatively few cases are seen among children.

How long do symptoms last?

Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission published on Feb. 28 by WHO(World Health Organization)[2]:

• mild cases: approximately 2 weeks
• severe or critical disease: 3 – 6 weeks
• time from onset to the development of severe disease (including hypoxia): 1 week

Among patients who have died, the time from symptom onset to outcome ranges from 2 – 8 weeks.

 Coronavirus COVID-19 Fatality Rate by AGE:

*Death Rate = (number of deaths / number of cases) = probability of dying if infected by the virus (%).

Coronavirus COVID-19 Fatality Rate by SEX:

*Death Rate = (number of deaths / number of cases) = probability of dying if infected by the virus (%).

Coronavirus COVID-19 Fatality Rate by COMORBIDITY:

(Pre-existing illnesses that put patients at higher risk of dying from a COVID-19 infection)

*Death Rate = (number of deaths / number of cases) = probability of dying if infected by the virus (%).

How to Protect Yourself

Article published by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)[1]:

How to care for someone who is sick

Article published by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)[2]:

Caring for someone at home

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home.* Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

If you are caring for someone at home, monitor for emergency signs, prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and carefully consider when to end home isolation.

• Monitor the person for worsening symptoms. Know the emergency warning signs.
• Prevent the spread of germs when caring for someone who is sick
• Provide symptom treatment
• Know when to end home isolation (more info)

What To Do if You Are Sick

Article published by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)[3]:

If you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get medical attention right away.

Follow the steps below:  If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

• Stay home except to get medical care
• Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• If you are sick wear a facemask
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Clean your hands often
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
• Monitor your symptoms

When to Seek Medical Attention

Article published by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)[3]:

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.