What to do if Sick If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow public health recommendations for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community. Prevention As with any respiratory virus, you can protect yourself and others by taking every day preventative actions. Symptoms People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Isolation & Quarantine Separate yourself from others if you have COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed.