COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways, caused by a virus called coronavirus. The virus can cause pneumonia-like symptoms such as coughs, fever and breathing difficulties (in more severe cases).
Symptoms of Covid-19
While there are many strains of Covid-19, and patients have reported experiencing different combinations of symptoms, there are a range of Covid-19 symptoms you can watch out for.
If you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, the NHS advises people to remain home to avoid contact with other people for approximately 5 days. This means that you should stay at home if you have either:
A high temperature:Normal body temperature for adults is 37 degrees Celsius when taken orally. A fever is a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer, flushed skin or your chest/back being hot to the touch is a good indication that you may have a fever.
A new, continuous cough:
This means coughing a lot for more than an hour or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
Headache and body aches:
Headaches and muscle pain are common COVID-19 symptoms across many strains of the illness.
Respiratory symptoms:
Several symptoms are also associated with cold and flu, such as runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat.
Changes in sense of taste and/ or smell:
Following a small study of 100 coronavirus patients in Germany, some doctors think that losing your sense of taste or smell may also be an important early warning sign. This is especially true in younger people with no other symptoms.
COVID-19 Symptoms – FAQ
What do I do if I experience Covid-19 symptoms?
If you have these symptoms, you should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service in the first instance, and only call 111 if you cannot get help online. If you start to have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention quickly by calling NHS 111.
How long do Covid-19 symptoms last?
It is understood that symptoms appear between two and tens days after contracting the virus, but it may be as long as 24 days. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.
Should I isolate with Covid-19?
While there is no legal obligation to self-isolate in England in 2016, it is recommended that you follow reasonable precautions to limit your risk of spreading a Covid-19 strain.
If you have some of the above symptoms and need to self-isolate, download our Understanding Isolation guide for more information on taking care of yourself.
For further medical guidance, please refer to the NHS England Covid-19 guidance.