What should you know about a COVID-19 cough?

COVID-19 can irritate the airways and cause a dry or mucus-producing cough. A cough may occur with fever, fatigue, headache or a general feeling of being unwell, but it can also come from asthma, allergies, reflux or another infection. The presence of a cough does not by itself establish COVID-19; testing or clinical assessment may be needed.

Pay attention to the pattern. Note when it began, whether it is worsening, whether you can speak and walk normally, and whether breathlessness or chest discomfort accompanies it. A cough that continues after the initial infection may need review. Long COVID is one possible cause of ongoing symptoms, but other explanations should be considered.

Sip fluids, rest your voice and avoid smoke or other airway irritants. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. Use cough medicines only according to their instructions, especially if you take other medicines or care for a child. Improve ventilation and limit close contact while you are unwell. Contact a clinician if the cough is interfering with sleep, drinking or normal activity, or if you have a condition affecting your lungs.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing blood, blue or grey lips, confusion or difficulty staying awake. Arrange prompt medical review if the cough is rapidly worsening, comes with high or persistent fever, or follows a period of improvement with a new decline. A clinician may check your lungs and oxygen level and decide whether further assessment is needed.

Ask whether your cough pattern suggests testing or examination, which treatments are safe with your medicines, and what change should prompt urgent help. Tell the clinician about wheezing, mucus colour, chest pain, breathlessness, smoking or previous lung disease.