The most common symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) are:
- fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) - including having chills
- dry cough
- fatigue (tiredness)
COVID-19 symptoms can be like symptoms of cold, flu or hay fever.
You may not have all of the symptoms or your symptoms may be mild.
Less common symptoms
Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal
- nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose)
- conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye)
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
- different types of skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills or dizziness
Severe symptoms
Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 include:
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss of appetite
- confusion
- pain or pressure in the chest
- fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and feel unwell, you should:
- stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone
- avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from COVID-19
There is separate advice for children under the age of 18
You usually do not need to have a COVID-19 test. But if you choose to do one and it is positive, there is different advice you need to follow.
Non-urgent advice: Phone your GP if: you have
- symptoms of COVID-19 and feel very unwell
- an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk of severe disease
Do not go to your GP or to a pharmacy in person.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if:
- you are very short of breath and cannot complete a sentence