If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus), self-isolate (stay in your room) and get a COVID-19 test.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) - including having chills
- dry cough
- fatigue (tiredness)
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 eyes)
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
- different types of skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills or dizziness
Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease 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)
You may not have all of these symptoms or your symptoms may be mild. Symptoms may vary for different age groups or variants of the virus.
It can take up to 14 days after you are infected for symptoms to show. You can spread COVID-19 during this time.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to symptoms of cold, flu or hay fever.
If you are in doubt about any symptoms you have, phone your GP.
Immediate action required: Call 112 or 999 if:
- you are very short of breath and cannot complete a sentence
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus), even if they are mild, self-isolate (stay in your room) and get a COVID-19 test. Do this even if you are part or fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Other people in your household who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will need to restrict their movements (stay at home).
To get a free COVID-19 PCR test you can:
Important
Do not attend a vaccination appointment if you have symptoms of COVID-19. To request a new appointment, reply to your appointment text with the word 'New' or phone HSElive on 1800 700 700.
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 or a COVID-19 vaccine. This is normal.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if
you have a fever and other symptoms such as:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
These symptoms may be a sign of meningitis. This needs urgent medical attention.
Last updated: 20 September 2021 at 4.15pm