Does COVID-19 cause runny nose?

With COVID-19, runny nose may appear early or occur with other symptoms such as fever, cough, tiredness, or changes in smell. The pattern and timing matter more than one symptom alone. Testing can help clarify whether COVID-19 is present, while a clinician can consider other explanations when symptoms are unusual, severe, or persistent.

Rest, drink fluids, and monitor how you feel. Avoid close contact with others while you have a new respiratory symptom, and follow current local advice about testing and staying home. Use only symptom medicines that are suitable for you and follow the label or advice from a pharmacist. Keep a note of when runny nose began and whether it is improving; this gives a clinician useful information.

Seek urgent medical help if you develop severe difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or you cannot stay awake. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you have a medical condition that increases your risk from respiratory infections. For runny nose that does not settle or is affecting daily activities, arrange an assessment.

You could ask: Could this symptom have another cause? Should I take a COVID-19 test, and when should it be repeated? Which medicines are appropriate with my existing conditions? What changes should prompt urgent review? Share your medicines, medical history, recent contacts, and the full list of symptoms.