Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen To See a DoctorNext in COVID-19 GuideHow Coronavirus (COVID-19) Is Diagnosed

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Frequent Symptoms

Rare Symptoms

Complications

When To See a Doctor

Next in COVID-19 Guide

The most common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, a loss of taste or sense of smell, a stuffy or runny nose, and gastrointestinal symptoms.In children, the most common COVID-19 symptoms are fever and cough. However, children can experience any of the same symptoms as adults.

Although people with COVID-19 may have many symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists 11 of the most common.Symptoms typicallyappear between 2 and 14 days after infection:

Sneezing Symptoms in COVID Explained

Fever or Chills

Fever is often one of the first symptoms to develop after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to research published inFrontiers in Public Health.Not everyone with COVID-19 will develop a fever or body chills, and, in some cases, a fever may be low-grade. A fever is typically defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or above. Chills are often a symptom of fever.

Cough

A cough is one of the most common signs of COVID-19. However, not everyone who is infected with the coronavirus will develop a cough, which can also be a sign of another respiratory illness or condition like the flu. Often, in COVID-19, a cough follows the start of a fever.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another common symptom of COVID-19. Difficulty breathing is an emergency warning sign and requires immediate medical attention.

Fatigue

Muscle and Body Aches

If you have COVID-19, you may also experience muscle pain, joint pain, or all-over body aches as a result of inflammation. However, body aches can also be a sign of influenza. In symptom progression in COVID-19, often muscle or body aches begin after the start of a fever and cough.

Headache

A headache is another common symptom of COVID-19, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, such as a fever, cough, or body aches.

Head Pressure From a Cough: Why Your Head Hurts

Loss of Taste or Smell

A loss of taste or smellis prevalent among people who test positive for COVID-19. The CDC reports that this symptom is not generally characteristic of the flu.

Is It Flu or COVID-19? Here’s What To Expect if You Get Sick

Sore Throat

While a sore throat can be a symptom of other respiratory infections or even post-nasal drip, it is also a common symptom of COVID-19.

Congestion or Runny Nose

A stuffy or runny nose can be a symptom of allergies, the common cold, the flu, and other conditions, but it is also a frequent complaint among individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Nausea or Vomiting

An upset stomach, including nausea or vomiting, is also a symptom of COVID-19, especially when in conjunction with other common symptoms.

Diarrhea

Loose or runny stool can occur as a result of COVID-19. Diarrhea may start at the beginning of infection or be one of the last symptoms to manifest. However, many people with COVID-19 do not have any gastrointestinal discomfort as part of their illness.

Earache with COVID-19: Symptoms and Treatment

A few rare symptoms may also occur as a result of COVID-19.

“COVID Toes”

Pink Eye

Pink eye, also calledconjunctivitis, can also develop because of COVID-19. You may experiencered, itchy, or watery eyes or blurred vision.

Delirium

In cases of severe COVID-19, extreme confusion may occur as a result of the disease’s impact on the central nervous system. If this occurs in someone you’re caring for, seek immediate medical attention.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Observational studies show that people with COVID-19 are at heightened risk for deep vein thrombosis, also known as ablood clot, in their lower extremities. A blood clot can result in apulmonary embolismif it travels to the blood vessels of the lungs. Watch your legs for swelling, cramping, a change in color, or itching. And monitor yourself for trouble breathing. Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.

Blood Clotting Problems: A Serious Complication of COVID-19

Stroke

The heightened risk of blood coagulation or clotting as a result of COVID-19 could lead to astroke, although this symptom is rare. People with underlying cardiovascular conditions are more at risk of a stroke if they contract COVID-19.Keep an eye out for weakness, slurred speech, or confusion. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.

Complications from severe COVID-19 include the following:

Although anyone can develop COVID-19, age increases your risk for severe complications.Individuals with certain underlying medical conditions are also at an increased risk for severe illness if they become infected with SARS-CoV-2.

How COVID-19 Can Affect Your Heart

People with Certain Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

The CDC lists the following medical conditions as risk factors for developing a severe case of COVID-19 if infected:

The CDC also states medical conditions that might put people at an increased risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19 include:

Children with Certain Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

How Long Does COVID-19 Last?

When to See a Doctor or Go to the Hospital

When to Seek Emergency Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

What This Means For YouReading about the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of infection can be overwhelming. Remember, not everyone who develops COVID-19 will experience symptoms. Although some people will have severe symptoms, others will have a milder illness. Researchers are learning more about COVID-19 every day and working to find the right treatments to help with severe cases. To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, wear a mask in public and maintain a distance of at least six feet from those who don’t live with you.

What This Means For You

Reading about the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of infection can be overwhelming. Remember, not everyone who develops COVID-19 will experience symptoms. Although some people will have severe symptoms, others will have a milder illness. Researchers are learning more about COVID-19 every day and working to find the right treatments to help with severe cases. To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, wear a mask in public and maintain a distance of at least six feet from those who don’t live with you.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): symptoms.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): COVID-19 in children & teens.Larsen JR, Martin, MR, Martin, JD, et al.Modeling the onset of symptoms of COVID-19.Front. Public Health. 2020 Aug;(473). doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00473Carfì A, Bernabei R, Landi F, et al.Persistent symptoms in patients after acute COVID-19.JAMA.2020 July;324(6):603–605. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12603Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is the difference between influenza (flu) and COVID-19?.Colmenero I, Santonja C, Alonso-Riano M, et al.SARS‐CoV‐2 endothelial infection causes COVID‐19 chilblains: histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of seven paediatric cases.Br. J. Dermatol.2020 June;183(4):729-737. doi:10.1111/bjd.19327Ma N, Li P, Wang X, et al.Ocular manifestations and clinical characteristics of children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.JAMA Ophthalmol.2020 Aug;138(10):1079-1086. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.3690Kotfis K. Williams Roberson S, Wilson JE, et al.COVID-19: ICU delirium management during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Crit Care.2020Apr; 24(176). doi:10.1186/s13054-020-02882-xConnors JM, Levy JH.Thromboinflammation and the hypercoagulability of COVID-19.J Thromb Haemost.2020. doi:10.1111/jth.14849Oxley TJ, Mocco J, Majidi S, et al.Large-vessel stroke as a presenting feature of Covid-19 in the young.N Engl J Med. 2020;382(20):e60. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2009787Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): clinical care guidance.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people at an increased risk.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people with certain medical conditions.

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): symptoms.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): COVID-19 in children & teens.Larsen JR, Martin, MR, Martin, JD, et al.Modeling the onset of symptoms of COVID-19.Front. Public Health. 2020 Aug;(473). doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00473Carfì A, Bernabei R, Landi F, et al.Persistent symptoms in patients after acute COVID-19.JAMA.2020 July;324(6):603–605. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12603Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is the difference between influenza (flu) and COVID-19?.Colmenero I, Santonja C, Alonso-Riano M, et al.SARS‐CoV‐2 endothelial infection causes COVID‐19 chilblains: histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of seven paediatric cases.Br. J. Dermatol.2020 June;183(4):729-737. doi:10.1111/bjd.19327Ma N, Li P, Wang X, et al.Ocular manifestations and clinical characteristics of children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.JAMA Ophthalmol.2020 Aug;138(10):1079-1086. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.3690Kotfis K. Williams Roberson S, Wilson JE, et al.COVID-19: ICU delirium management during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Crit Care.2020Apr; 24(176). doi:10.1186/s13054-020-02882-xConnors JM, Levy JH.Thromboinflammation and the hypercoagulability of COVID-19.J Thromb Haemost.2020. doi:10.1111/jth.14849Oxley TJ, Mocco J, Majidi S, et al.Large-vessel stroke as a presenting feature of Covid-19 in the young.N Engl J Med. 2020;382(20):e60. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2009787Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): clinical care guidance.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people at an increased risk.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people with certain medical conditions.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): symptoms.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): COVID-19 in children & teens.Larsen JR, Martin, MR, Martin, JD, et al.Modeling the onset of symptoms of COVID-19.Front. Public Health. 2020 Aug;(473). doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00473Carfì A, Bernabei R, Landi F, et al.Persistent symptoms in patients after acute COVID-19.JAMA.2020 July;324(6):603–605. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12603Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is the difference between influenza (flu) and COVID-19?.Colmenero I, Santonja C, Alonso-Riano M, et al.SARS‐CoV‐2 endothelial infection causes COVID‐19 chilblains: histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of seven paediatric cases.Br. J. Dermatol.2020 June;183(4):729-737. doi:10.1111/bjd.19327Ma N, Li P, Wang X, et al.Ocular manifestations and clinical characteristics of children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.JAMA Ophthalmol.2020 Aug;138(10):1079-1086. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.3690Kotfis K. Williams Roberson S, Wilson JE, et al.COVID-19: ICU delirium management during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Crit Care.2020Apr; 24(176). doi:10.1186/s13054-020-02882-xConnors JM, Levy JH.Thromboinflammation and the hypercoagulability of COVID-19.J Thromb Haemost.2020. doi:10.1111/jth.14849Oxley TJ, Mocco J, Majidi S, et al.Large-vessel stroke as a presenting feature of Covid-19 in the young.N Engl J Med. 2020;382(20):e60. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2009787Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): clinical care guidance.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people at an increased risk.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people with certain medical conditions.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): symptoms.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): COVID-19 in children & teens.

Larsen JR, Martin, MR, Martin, JD, et al.Modeling the onset of symptoms of COVID-19.Front. Public Health. 2020 Aug;(473). doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00473

Carfì A, Bernabei R, Landi F, et al.Persistent symptoms in patients after acute COVID-19.JAMA.2020 July;324(6):603–605. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12603

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is the difference between influenza (flu) and COVID-19?.

Colmenero I, Santonja C, Alonso-Riano M, et al.SARS‐CoV‐2 endothelial infection causes COVID‐19 chilblains: histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of seven paediatric cases.Br. J. Dermatol.2020 June;183(4):729-737. doi:10.1111/bjd.19327

Ma N, Li P, Wang X, et al.Ocular manifestations and clinical characteristics of children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.JAMA Ophthalmol.2020 Aug;138(10):1079-1086. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.3690

Kotfis K. Williams Roberson S, Wilson JE, et al.COVID-19: ICU delirium management during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Crit Care.2020Apr; 24(176). doi:10.1186/s13054-020-02882-x

Connors JM, Levy JH.Thromboinflammation and the hypercoagulability of COVID-19.J Thromb Haemost.2020. doi:10.1111/jth.14849

Oxley TJ, Mocco J, Majidi S, et al.Large-vessel stroke as a presenting feature of Covid-19 in the young.N Engl J Med. 2020;382(20):e60. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2009787

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): clinical care guidance.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): older adults.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people at an increased risk.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): people with certain medical conditions.

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