Stay at home – Ireland is at level 5.
Read about the current government restrictions on gov.ie
If you have any common symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus), self-isolate (stay in your room) and phone a GP straight away. Your GP will tell you if you need a free COVID-19 test.
Read about how to get tested for COVID-19.
Other people in your household will need to restrict their movements (stay at home).
Common symptoms
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- a new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
You may not have all of these symptoms. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu.
An early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.
How to manage symptoms of COVID-19 at home
Compare symptoms of COVID-19, flu and cold
Symptoms | COVID-19Symptoms range from mild to severe | FluAbrupt onset of symptoms | ColdGradual onset of symptoms |
Fever or chills | Common | Common | Rare |
Cough | Common (usually dry) | Common (usually dry) | Mild |
Shortness of breath | Common | No | No |
Lost or changed sense of smell or taste | Common | Rare | Rare |
Fatigue | Common | Common | Sometimes |
Aches and pains | Common | Common | Common |
Sore throat | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
Headaches | Sometimes | Common | Rare |
Runny or stuffy nose | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
Feeling sick or vomiting | Rare | Sometimes | No |
Diarrhoea | Rare | Sometimes in children | No |
Sneezing | No | No | Common |
If you are in doubt about any symptoms you have, phone your GP. They will discuss your symptoms with you and advise you on any steps you may need to take.
When a fever could be something else
Some people may get a mild fever for a couple of days after they get the flu vaccine. This is normal.
Fever is also a symptom of meningitis.
Contact your GP straight away if you have a fever and other symptoms of meningitis:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
Related topics
Minding your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
Last updated: 13 January 2021 at 4.50pm
