Signs and Symptoms Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.* Image Gallery Fever Cough Shortness of breath *This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? What if I have been exposed to or am sick with COVID-19? How do I stop the spread of germs?