COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although the overall impact of COVID-19 has declined compared with the early pandemic years, the virus continues to circulate globally and can still cause serious illness, particularly among older adults, immunocompromised people and those with certain underlying health conditions.
One important point is that COVID-19 does not look exactly the same in everyone. Some people develop only mild symptoms, while others can become seriously ill. Some infected people may also have no noticeable symptoms at all.
Because COVID-19 symptoms can resemble influenza, the common cold and other respiratory infections, symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm that someone has COVID-19. Testing may be needed.
1. FEVER
Fever is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19.
You may feel:
- Hot or feverish
- Chilled
- Sweaty
- Weak
- Generally unwell
WHO currently lists fever and chills among the most common symptoms reported with COVID-19.
However, not everyone with COVID-19 develops a fever.
Therefore, having no fever does not automatically mean that COVID-19 can be ruled out.
2. CHILLS OR SHIVERING
Some people experience chills, particularly around the time a fever develops.
You may suddenly feel:
“I'm cold even though the room isn't cold.”
You may also experience shivering or alternating sensations of hot and cold.
Chills are among the commonly reported symptoms of currently circulating COVID-19 infections.
3. SORE THROAT
A sore throat is currently one of the common symptoms reported with COVID-19.
You may experience:
- Scratchiness
- Pain when swallowing
- Dryness
- Throat irritation
- A burning sensation
A sore throat is not specific to COVID-19, however. Influenza, common colds and other respiratory infections can cause exactly the same symptom.
4. COUGH
A new cough can occur with COVID-19.
The cough may be:
- Dry
- Irritating
- Persistent
- Accompanied by throat irritation
- Associated with chest discomfort
WHO lists a new and persistent cough among possible COVID-19 symptoms.
A cough that becomes increasingly severe or is accompanied by difficulty breathing requires medical attention.
5. EXTREME TIREDNESS
Fatigue can be a significant symptom of COVID-19.
You may suddenly feel:
- Exhausted
- Weak
- Low on energy
- Unable to concentrate
- Too tired to perform your normal activities
WHO lists severe fatigue or tiredness among the possible symptoms of COVID-19.
This can sometimes be one of the most noticeable symptoms.
6. HEADACHE
COVID-19 can cause headaches.
You may experience:
- Mild or moderate headache
- Persistent headache
- Pressure around the head
- Headache together with fever or fatigue
A headache alone does not indicate COVID-19 because there are many possible causes.
However, a new headache appearing together with fever, sore throat, cough or fatigue may occur during a COVID-19 infection.
7. MUSCLE AND BODY ACHES
Some people experience muscle aches or general body pain.
You may notice:
- Aching muscles
- Heavy arms or legs
- Backache
- General soreness
- Joint discomfort
WHO lists muscle aches and heavy arms or legs among possible symptoms.
This symptom can also occur with influenza and other viral infections.
8. RUNNY OR BLOCKED NOSE
COVID-19 may cause nasal symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
These symptoms can make COVID-19 difficult to distinguish from an ordinary cold.
WHO currently lists a runny or blocked nose and sneezing among possible symptoms.
9. LOSS OR CHANGE OF TASTE AND SMELL
Changes in taste or smell became widely recognized as COVID-19 symptoms.
You may notice:
- Food tastes different
- Food has less flavour
- You cannot smell familiar scents
- Smells seem unusual or distorted
- Complete loss of smell or taste
WHO continues to list loss or change of taste or smell among possible COVID-19 symptoms.
However, this symptom is not present in everyone.
10. DIZZINESS
Some people with COVID-19 experience dizziness.
You may feel:
- Light-headed
- Unsteady
- As though the room is moving
- Weak when standing
Dizziness has been reported as one of the less common symptoms of COVID-19.
Severe or persistent dizziness, particularly with confusion, fainting or difficulty breathing, requires medical assessment.
11. SORE OR IRRITATED EYES
COVID-19 can sometimes be associated with eye symptoms.
You may experience:
- Sore eyes
- Irritated eyes
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Eye discomfort
WHO lists sore eyes and red or irritated eyes among possible symptoms.
12. HOARSE VOICE
Some people develop a hoarse or unusually rough voice.
Your voice may sound:
- Deeper
- Weak
- Rough
- Breathier than usual
A hoarse voice can occur because COVID-19 affects the upper respiratory tract and throat.
It is not specific to COVID-19, however.
13. CHEST TIGHTNESS OR CHEST DISCOMFORT
Some people may experience:
- Chest tightness
- Chest discomfort
- Pressure in the chest
- Pain when breathing or coughing
Chest symptoms should be taken seriously, particularly if they are persistent or accompanied by shortness of breath.
WHO lists tight chest or chest pain among possible COVID-19 symptoms.
14. SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Shortness of breath is particularly important because it can indicate that the respiratory illness is becoming more serious.
You may feel:
“I can't get enough air.”
or
“I'm becoming breathless doing something that normally doesn't make me tired.”
WHO identifies difficulty breathing or shortness of breath as a serious symptom requiring medical attention.
15. NAUSEA
Some people with COVID-19 experience nausea.
You may feel:
- Sick
- Uncomfortable after eating
- Less interested in food
- Like you may vomit
Nausea can occur alongside other gastrointestinal symptoms.
16. VOMITING
Vomiting can occur during COVID-19, although it is less characteristic than respiratory symptoms.
If vomiting becomes persistent, it can lead to dehydration.
Seek medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down or become increasingly weak or dizzy.
17. DIARRHOEA
COVID-19 can sometimes affect the digestive system.
You may experience:
- Loose stools
- Frequent bowel movements
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea
WHO lists diarrhoea among possible COVID-19 symptoms.
Diarrhoea can have many other causes, including food poisoning and other infections, so it does not confirm COVID-19.
18. LOSS OF APPETITE
Some people experience reduced appetite during COVID-19.
Food may become less appealing because of:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Changes in taste or smell
- General fatigue
WHO lists appetite loss among possible symptoms.
Maintaining adequate fluid intake is particularly important when appetite is reduced.
19. ABDOMINAL PAIN
Some people may experience abdominal discomfort or stomach pain.
This may occur together with:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
However, severe or persistent abdominal pain should not simply be assumed to be COVID-19.
20. NUMBNESS OR TINGLING
WHO has reported numbness and tingling among less common symptoms that some people may experience.
However, sudden numbness or weakness—particularly on one side of the body—can be a sign of a stroke and requires emergency medical attention.
21. DIFFICULTY SLEEPING
Some people experience changes in sleep during or after COVID-19.
These may include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent waking
- Poor-quality sleep
- Changes in sleeping patterns
Sleep problems can also occur because of fever, coughing, stress or fatigue.
WHO lists difficulty sleeping among possible COVID-19 symptoms.
22. HEAVY ARMS OR LEGS
Some people describe their arms or legs as feeling unusually heavy.
You may experience:
- Heavy limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty exercising
- General physical exhaustion
This can occur alongside fatigue and body aches.
23. SKIN RASH
COVID-19 can sometimes be associated with skin changes.
You may notice:
- A rash
- Red patches
- Changes in skin colour
- Discolouration of fingers or toes
WHO lists skin rash and discolouration of fingers or toes among less common symptoms.
A rash can have many causes, so medical assessment may be necessary if it is unusual or severe.
24. RED OR IRRITATED EYES
Some people develop red or irritated eyes during COVID-19.
This may be accompanied by:
- Watery eyes
- Burning
- Mild discomfort
- Sensitivity
Again, this is not unique to COVID-19.
25. CONFUSION
Confusion is not a typical mild symptom that should simply be ignored.
New confusion may indicate serious illness.
WHO lists confusion among serious COVID-19 symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
26. UNUSUAL DROWSINESS
A person with severe COVID-19 may become unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.
WHO identifies drowsiness or loss of consciousness as a serious symptom.
If someone becomes difficult to wake or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately.
27. LOSS OF SPEECH OR MOBILITY
Loss of speech or mobility is a serious warning sign.
This may indicate severe illness or another medical emergency.
WHO specifically lists loss of speech or mobility among serious COVID-19 symptoms.
28. COLD, CLAMMY, PALE OR BLUISH SKIN
A person who is seriously ill may develop:
- Cold skin
- Clammy skin
- Pale appearance
- Bluish discoloration
These can indicate inadequate oxygenation or circulation and require immediate medical attention.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS CAN BE DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE
There is no single symptom that proves you have COVID-19.
One person might experience:
Sore throat + runny nose + fatigue
while another might experience:
Fever + cough + body aches
Another person may have:
Headache + nausea + loss of taste
And some infected people may have no symptoms at all.
COVID-19 CAN LOOK LIKE A COMMON COLD OR FLU
This is one of the biggest challenges when identifying COVID-19 based only on symptoms.
COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections can all cause:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Runny nose
Therefore:
Symptoms alone cannot reliably tell you which virus you have.
Testing can be useful when knowing whether you have COVID-19 would affect your treatment, precautions or contact with vulnerable people.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU DEVELOP COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?
If you develop symptoms that could be COVID-19:
1. STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL UNWELL
Avoid unnecessary close contact with others while you are sick.
2. CONSIDER TESTING
Testing can help determine whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is present.
3. REST
Give your body time to recover.
4. DRINK ENOUGH FLUIDS
Fever, sweating, vomiting and diarrhoea can increase the risk of dehydration.
5. MONITOR YOUR CONDITION
Pay particular attention to breathing difficulties, chest symptoms, confusion and unusual drowsiness.
WHO recommends staying home when unwell and seeking medical attention for serious symptoms.
WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP SEVERE COVID-19?
Although anyone can become seriously ill, the risk is higher among certain groups.
These include:
- Older adults
- Immunocompromised people
- People with certain chronic medical conditions
- People with cardiovascular disease
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic respiratory disease
- People with cancer
WHO continues to identify older and immunocompromised adults and people with comorbidities as groups at higher risk of severe disease.
If you belong to a higher-risk group and develop COVID-19 symptoms, it is particularly important to seek medical advice early.
🚨 EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS OF COVID-19
Do not wait at home if serious symptoms develop.
Seek immediate medical attention for:
🫁 DIFFICULTY BREATHING
Especially difficulty breathing while resting or being unable to speak normally because of breathlessness.
❤️ PERSISTENT CHEST PAIN OR PRESSURE
Particularly if it is new or worsening.
🧠 NEW CONFUSION
Sudden confusion or significant changes in mental awareness.
😴 EXTREME DROWSINESS
Being unusually difficult to wake or losing consciousness.
🔵 PALE OR BLUISH SKIN
Particularly around the lips or face.
🗣️ LOSS OF SPEECH OR MOBILITY
This requires urgent assessment.
WHO identifies difficulty breathing, confusion, drowsiness/loss of consciousness, persistent chest pain or pressure, cold/clammy or pale/bluish skin, and loss of speech or movement as serious symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
Children can experience COVID-19 differently from adults.
Possible symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
For a child, urgent medical attention is particularly important if there is:
- Difficulty breathing
- Very rapid breathing
- Severe lethargy
- Difficulty feeding or drinking
- Bluish lips or face
- Significant confusion
- A child who is unusually difficult to wake
WHO specifically identifies rapid breathing, lethargy, feeding difficulty and blue lips or face as concerning symptoms in young children.
COVID-19 CAN OCCUR WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
One of the most important facts to understand is that not every infected person becomes obviously sick.
Some people can have an infection without noticeable symptoms.
This means:
“I feel fine” does not necessarily mean “I cannot have COVID-19.”
This is particularly important when interacting with people who are older or medically vulnerable.
HOW LONG CAN SYMPTOMS LAST?
The duration varies considerably.
Many people with mild COVID-19 recover without hospitalization.
However, some people experience symptoms that continue beyond the initial infection.
Persistent symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Memory or concentration problems
- Sleep problems
- Chest pain
- Muscle aches
- Changes in taste or smell
These may occur as part of post-COVID-19 condition (Long COVID).
WHAT IS LONG COVID?
Long COVID, also called post-COVID-19 condition, refers to symptoms that continue or develop after the initial infection and cannot be better explained by another diagnosis.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Cognitive difficulties
- Sleep problems
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Muscle aches
- Loss of taste or smell
WHO notes that symptoms can fluctuate or return over time and may interfere with everyday activities.
If symptoms continue after COVID-19 and interfere with normal life, speak with a healthcare professional.
A SIMPLE COVID-19 WARNING-SIGN CHECKLIST
COMMON SYMPTOMS
🌡️ FEVER OR CHILLS
👄 SORE THROAT
😷 COUGH
😴 TIREDNESS
🤕 HEADACHE
💪 BODY ACHES
🤧 RUNNY OR BLOCKED NOSE
👃 LOSS OR CHANGE OF TASTE/SMELL
👁️ SORE OR IRRITATED EYES
🤢 NAUSEA
🚽 DIARRHOEA
SERIOUS WARNING SIGNS
🚨 DIFFICULTY BREATHING
🚨 PERSISTENT CHEST PAIN OR PRESSURE
🚨 NEW CONFUSION
🚨 UNUSUAL DROWSINESS OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
🚨 PALE, COLD, CLAMMY OR BLUISH SKIN
🚨 LOSS OF SPEECH OR MOBILITY
FINAL TAKEAWAY
COVID-19 can begin with symptoms that look very similar to an ordinary cold or influenza.
The most commonly reported symptoms include:
FEVER
CHILLS
SORE THROAT
COUGH
TIREDNESS
HEADACHE
BODY ACHES
RUNNY OR BLOCKED NOSE
LOSS OR CHANGE OF TASTE OR SMELL
But the symptoms that should never be ignored are:
DIFFICULTY BREATHING
PERSISTENT CHEST PAIN OR PRESSURE
CONFUSION
SEVERE DROWSINESS OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
PALE OR BLUISH SKIN
LOSS OF SPEECH OR MOBILITY
These require immediate medical attention.
Most people with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization, but COVID-19 continues to circulate and can still cause severe disease, particularly in people at higher risk.
DON'T PANIC — BUT DON'T IGNORE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS.
If you develop symptoms that concern you, especially if they are severe or worsening, contact a healthcare professional for appropriate assessment and advice.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health education and cannot diagnose COVID-19. Many other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms. If you have severe, unusual or worsening symptoms, seek professional medical care.
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