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.
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)
You may not have all of the symptoms or your symptoms may be mild. Symptoms may vary for different age groups or different variants of the virus.
You can still get infected if you are fully vaccinated. But your symptoms may be mild.
It can take up to 14 days after you are infected for symptoms to show. You can spread COVID-19 during this time.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:
- self-isolate (stay in your room)
- get tested - find out what type of test you should do
- wear a medical or respirator face mask if you have to be around other people
Do these even if you have completed your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, had a booster, or had a positive PCR or antigen test result in the past.
If you have an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk of severe disease, contact your GP.
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 HSE Live on 1800 700 700.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you are in doubt about any symptoms you have
- have an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk of severe disease
Your GP may ask for your Eircode and PPS number to book a COVID-19 test for you.
Immediate action required: Call 112 or 999 if:
- you are very short of breath and cannot complete a sentence
Read more about when to get medical help or hospital treatment for COVID-19
Last updated: 14 January 2022 at 9am