COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 is a respiratory condition that develops when a coronavirus infects the body. Some people are infected but don’t notice any COVID-19 symptoms (doctors call that being asymptomatic).
Most people have mild symptoms and get better on their own. But some have severe problems, such as trouble breathing. The odds of more serious COVID-19 symptoms are higher if you’re older or have another health condition such as diabetes or heart disease.
How have COVID symptoms changed over time?
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people lost their sense of smell and taste, had a cough and trouble breathing, and needed to check into a hospital. The virus has since evolved with new variants (strains). Today, fewer people are admitted to hospitals and won’t lose their sense of taste and smell. Coronavirus symptoms now look more like those of a cold, with fever, muscle pain, extreme tiredness, sneezing, a sore throat, and a cough.
Types of Covid-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to serious. Anyone can have symptoms at any intensity level. You don't have to have another health condition to develop severe symptoms.
What are the most common COVID-19 symptoms?
COVID-19 often causes mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of coronavirus include:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Other cold symptoms
Other symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- A dry cough and shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- A loss of taste or smell
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms can start anywhere from two to 14 days after you’re in contact with the virus. It’s important to note that different COVID-19 variants can cause different symptoms. For example, doctors linked the alpha variant with more muscle pain, insomnia, and brain fog, while symptoms of the delta variant included a runny nose.
What are the first signs of COVID?
COVID can feel much like a cold or flu. You may notice a sore throat, fatigue, headache, cough, congestion, or a runny nose. These coronavirus symptoms can change based on the variant you have and your vaccination status.
Emergency COVID-19 symptoms
You need medical help right away if you have any of these issues:
- Trouble breathing
- Constant pain or pressure in your chest
- Bluish lips or face
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble staying awake
- A hard time waking up
- Pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, or nail beds
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor’s office or hospital before you go in. This will help them prepare to treat you and protect medical staff and other people.
Strokes have also been reported in some people who have COVID-19. To identify signs of a stroke, remember FAST:
- Face. Is one side of the person’s face numb or drooping? Is their smile lopsided?
- Arms. Is one arm weak or numb? If they try to raise both arms, does one arm sag?
- Speech. Can they speak clearly? Ask them to repeat a sentence.
- Time. Every minute counts when someone shows signs of a stroke. Call 911 right away.
The FDA has approved the antiviral drug remdesivir (Veklury) and nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid) to treat COVID-19 in some people. Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) has been given emergency use authorization for treating the virus. If you have serious COVID-19 symptoms, you should get one of these treatments as soon as possible.
Other COVID-19 symptoms
Less common problems that the virus can cause include:
- Pink eye
- Swollen eyes
- Fainting
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Coughing up blood
- Blood clots
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- Kidney damage
- Liver problems or damage
- Trouble sleeping
- Voice changes
- Dizziness
Some doctors have reported rashes tied to this virus, including on children’s toes and feet. These rashes may show up as purple or blue lesions on lighter skin or pale or gray on darker skin. Researchers are looking into these reports so they can understand how these symptoms affect people who have COVID.
Are COVID-19 symptoms different in children?
Kids have many of the same COVID-19 symptoms as adults, but they tend to be milder. Some children may not have any symptoms but still be able to spread the virus.
Common coronavirus symptoms in children include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Sore muscles
- Extreme tiredness
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Some children and teens who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have an inflammatory syndrome that may be linked to the coronavirus. Doctors call it pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS). Symptoms include fever, rash, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems. It’s similar to toxic shock and Kawasaki disease, a condition in children that causes inflammation in blood vessels.
What to Do if You Think You Have Mild Symptoms
If you have milder COVID-19 symptoms like a fever, shortness of breath, or coughing:
- Stay home unless you need medical care. If you do need to go in, call your doctor or hospital first for guidance.
- Tell your doctor about your illness. If you’re at high risk of complications because of your age or other health conditions, they might have more instructions.
- Isolate yourself. This means staying away from other people as much as possible, including members of your family. Stay in a specific “sick room,” and use a separate bathroom if you can.
- Wear a face mask if you have to be around anyone else. This includes people you live with. If a mask makes it hard for you to breathe, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. And after a cough or a sneeze, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. The CDC states that well-fitting respirator masks (like N95s and KN95s) give better protection than cloth masks.
- Rest up, and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines might help you feel better.
- Keep track of your symptoms. If they get worse, get medical help right away.
It’s a good idea to get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms you think are related to the illness.
When to Get Tested for COVID-19
Get tested if:
- You’ve had symptoms of the virus.
- You’ve come into close contact with a person who has the virus. (Take a test at least five days after you last saw the person.)
- You’ve been asked to get tested by your school, health care provider, workplace, or your state, local, tribal, or territorial health department (regardless of your vaccination status).
- You’re visiting someone with a high chance of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19
If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, there are things you should do to take care of yourself and stop the illness from spreading to others.
Steps to take right away. First, it’s best to isolate yourself from people and pets to avoid spreading COVID-19. Tell anyone you’ve recently been in contact with that you have the illness so they can track any symptoms or get tested. Talk to your doctor about any treatments, especially if you have a higher chance of getting seriously ill. They may suggest antiviral treatments, like Paxlovid.
Managing your symptoms. Be sure to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you have a fever, body aches, or sore throat, over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease your symptoms.
When to end isolation. You can go back to your normal activities when your symptoms improve, and you’ve been without a fever for 24 hours or longer without needing medication. You should still wear a high-quality mask and use physical distancing for another five days after returning to your usual activities.
How to Check for Fever
Your regular body temperature may be higher or lower than someone else’s. It also changes throughout the day. Doctors generally consider a fever in an adult to be anything over 100.4 F on an oral thermometer and over 100.8 F on a rectal thermometer.
If you think you’ve come into contact with the virus, or if you have symptoms, isolate yourself and check your temperature every morning and evening for at least 10 days. Keep track of the readings. A fever is the most common COVID-19 symptom, but it’s sometimes below 100 F. In a child, a fever is a temperature above 100 F on an oral thermometer or 100.4 F on a rectal one.
What Kind of Cough Is Common in People With COVID?
Most people with this virus have a dry cough that they can feel in their chest. Although it’s possible, you probably won’t cough up mucus the way you would with a typical cold. You may notice your cough starting quickly, usually within a few days of getting sick. And it’s likely to last anywhere from one to three weeks.
What Does Shortness of Breath Feel Like?
Dyspnea is the word doctors use for shortness of breath. It can feel like you:
- Have tightness in your chest
- Can’t catch your breath
- Can’t get enough air into your lungs
- Can’t breathe deeply
- Are smothering, drowning, or suffocating
- Have to work harder than usual to breathe in or out
- Need to breathe in before you’re done breathing out
You should monitor your oxygen levels, and if they drop to the 80s, contact your doctor. If your face and/or lips get a bluish tint, call 911 right away.
Is It COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, or Allergies?
Cold vs. Flu vs. Allergies vs. COVID-19 | ||||
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu | Allergies | COVID-19 (can range from moderate to severe) |
| Fever | Rare | High (100-102 F), can last 3-4 days | Never | Common |
| Headache | Rare | Intense | Uncommon | Common |
| General aches, pains | Slight | Usual, often severe | Never | Common |
| Fatigue, weakness | Mild | Intense, can last up to 2-3 weeks | Sometimes | Common |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Usual (starts early) | Never | Can be present |
| Stuffy/runny nose | Common | Sometimes | Common | Has been reported |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes | Usual | Has been reported |
| Sore throat | Common | Common | Sometimes | Has been reported |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Common, can become severe | Sometimes | Common |
| Shortness of breath | Rare | Rare | Rare, except for those with allergic asthma | In more serious infections |
How to Protect Yourself
The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to keep them from getting seriously ill from the coronavirus. Three updated vaccines are available in the U.S.:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- Novavax
Recommendations by age group are:
- People ages 12 and above who haven't been vaccinated before: one dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or two doses of Novavax
- People ages 12 and above who got coronavirus vaccines before September 12, 2022: one dose of any of the three newer vaccines
- Children ages 5-11, regardless of previous vaccine status: one dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
- Children ages 6 months-4 years who haven't had a coronavirus vaccine before: one to two doses of the Moderna vaccine
- Children ages 6 months–4 years who were vaccinated before: one or two doses of a Moderna vaccine
If you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19, ask your doctor about ensitrelvir (Xocova). Adults and children 12 and older may be able to take this prescription antiviral pill to lower their risk of getting COVID-19.
Talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have immune system issues.
Until you’re fully vaccinated, be sure to take these steps to prevent illness:
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds each time, with soap and water.
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if you don't have soap and water handy.
- Limit your contact with other people. Stay at least 6 feet away from others if you have to go out.
- Wear a well-fitted protective face mask in public places.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you’ve just washed your hands.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch a lot.
Caring for Someone Who Has COVID-19 Symptoms
If you’re taking care of someone with COVID-19 symptoms, follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Limit your contact as much as you can. Stay in separate rooms. If you have to be in the same room, use a fan or an open window to improve airflow.
- Ask the person who’s sick to wear a well-fitted protective face mask when you’re around each other. You should wear one, too.
- Don’t share items such as electronics, bedding, or dishes.
- Use gloves when handling the other person’s dishes, laundry, or trash. When you’re done, throw away the gloves and wash your hands.
- Regularly clean and disinfect common surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and countertops.
- Take care of yourself. Get enough rest and nutrition. Watch for COVID-19 symptoms.
Takeaways
COVID-19 symptoms have changed over time as the virus has evolved. Earlier in the pandemic, you were more likely to lose your sense of taste and smell or have serious breathing problems. Today, many cases look more like a cold or flu, with symptoms such as a sore throat, congestion, a runny nose, coughing, fatigue, and a fever. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe, and some people may not have symptoms at all.
COVID-19 Symptom FAQs
What day do severe COVID-19 symptoms start?
Symptoms, whether they're mild or severe, usually show up two to 14 days after you're exposed to the virus.
When does COVID-19 peak in your body?
You'll have the most active illness in your body anywhere from one to two weeks after symptoms show up. But in very serious cases, this phase could last for months.
What are the symptoms of the newest COVID-19?
Newer versions of COVID-19, like the XFG strain, tend to infect the upper respiratory tract. Common symptoms of the new COVID-19 variants include a runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms similar to those of a cold. But people who are 65 or older and those with a weak immune system are more likely to have more serious symptoms affecting their lower respiratory tract.
What are the signs you’re no longer contagious?
If your symptoms are improving and you’ve gone at least 24 hours without a fever (without using fever-reducing medicine), you are usually less likely to spread the virus to other people. But your body may still be clearing the virus, so you could still be contagious for several more days. Taking extra precautions, such as wearing a mask and keeping your distance from others for about five more days, can help lower the chance of spreading COVID-19.
