Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The droplets can infect people who are closer than about six feet to the infected person if the droplets land in their mouths or noses or are inhaled into their lungs.

It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). However, transmission is possible when an infected person has mild or no symptoms.

Visit the Protect Texas Together page for information on testing and vaccines.

Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and respiratory viruses in general (e.g., colds and flu).

• Get tested, vaccinated and boosted.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If not fully vaccinated, keep six feet of distance between yourself and others whenever possible.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wear a recommended protective face mask when you will be around other people.
• Do not share food, beverages or smoking devices with others.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid shaking hands— wave or “hook ‘em” instead.
• Stay home when sick and avoid leaving home even if you are well except when necessary.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces often.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue directly into the trash.
• If you experience symptoms of respiratory illness, call the UHS Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877.