Last updated: 25 September 2020 at 12.15pm
If you have any common symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus), you should self-isolate and phone your GP straight away to get a COVID-19 test.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- a 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
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu.
Getting an early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.
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 |
Signs and symptoms of hay fever can also be similar to symptoms of COVID-19. But hay fever does not cause a high temperature. Hay fever symptoms also get worse when you are exposed to certain triggers, such as pollen, weeds or grass. Read more about hay fever.
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 a sign of meningitis
Fever is also a symptom of meningitis.
Contact your GP immediately if you have a fever and:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
