People with a confirmed case of COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms which can range from mild to severe.
About 3 in 4 people who develop COVID-19 will do so in the first 7 days after they are exposed.
However, about 1 in 4 people still develop COVID-19 between day 7 and 14.
Common symptoms of COVID-19
- fever or chills
- cough
- sore throat
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- new loss of smell or taste
- runny or blocked nose
Other symptoms of COVID-19
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- unexplained chest pain
- conjunctivitis (eye infection)
Note: Numerous COVID-19 symptoms are also experienced as part of seasonal allergies, such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose.
When to seek emergency medical attention
If someone is showing any of these signs, call triple zero (000) immediately:
- trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest lasting more than 10 minutes
- severe dizziness, drowsiness or new confusion
- inability to wake or stay awake
- unable to stand
- pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
