The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary depending on the type of variant contracted, ranging from mild symptoms to a potentially fatal illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
Less common symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
- Nasal congestion and runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Eye irritation
- Toes swelling or turning purple
In moderate to severe cases, breathing difficulties may occur. People with COVID-19 may have different symptoms, and their symptoms may change over time. Three common clusters of symptoms have been identified:
- Flu-like symptoms with fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches
- Respiratory symptoms with cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and chest pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms with diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain
Emergency symptoms of COVID-19 include difficulty in breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, sudden confusion, loss of mobility and speech, and bluish face or lips. People over age 60 and those with existing medical conditions have a higher risk of getting seriously ill. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider getting tested for COVID-19 and seek medical attention if necessary.
