Can you have COVID-19 without a cough?

Cough is one possible response to irritation or inflammation in the airways, but COVID-19 can affect the body without causing it. A person may have fever, tiredness, headache, a sore throat, altered taste or smell, or mild symptoms that are easy to overlook.

If you do have a cough, its cause is not automatically COVID-19. Acid Reflux, Allergic Rhinitis, asthma, a Common Cold, and Acute Bronchitis can all contribute to cough. Longer-lasting cough may have other explanations, including Chronic Cough, Bronchiectasis, or Bronchiolitis, depending on age and health.

If you have a new combination of viral symptoms or a known exposure, follow current local testing and infection-control advice. Rest, drink fluids, and avoid close contact with vulnerable people while unwell. Keep track of breathing, temperature, and whether symptoms are improving.

Do not use the absence of cough to rule COVID-19 in or out. If symptoms continue, or if a cough develops and lasts, arrange an assessment so the pattern and possible causes can be reviewed.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or inability to stay awake. Prompt medical advice is also appropriate when symptoms rapidly worsen, you cannot keep fluids down, or an existing breathing condition becomes harder to control.

Ask whether testing or examination is appropriate, which alternative causes fit your symptoms, and how long to monitor them. Mention allergies, reflux, asthma, smoking or vaping, recent infections, medicines, and any change in exercise tolerance.