COVID-19: symptoms, testing and care

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness that can range from mild symptoms to serious breathing problems.

It is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The illness can affect people differently, including the nose, throat, airways and sometimes other body systems. Symptoms may begin after contact with an infected person, but a person can also spread the virus before recognising they are unwell.

Cough, fatigue, fever, loss of smell, loss of taste and muscle aches are very common presentations of COVID-19. Feeling generally unwell can accompany these symptoms. Headache, reduced appetite and a runny nose also occur. The pattern can resemble other respiratory infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

Seek urgent medical assessment for new or worsening trouble breathing, persistent chest pressure, confusion, fainting, bluish or grey lips, or difficulty staying awake. Children, older adults and people whose symptoms are worsening need particularly prompt clinical advice.

SARS-CoV-2 spreads mainly through respiratory particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. Close contact in shared indoor spaces can increase exposure. Touching contaminated surfaces is not thought to be the main route, but hand hygiene remains useful before eating and after coughing or blowing your nose.

Many people improve with rest, fluids and symptom relief, while others become more unwell over several days. Recovery can leave a period of tiredness or reduced stamina. Symptoms that persist or newly develop after the acute illness may need assessment for Long COVID or another cause.

More severe illness can occur at any age, but risk is greater for older adults and for people with conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys or immune system. Pregnancy and some long-term medicines can also change the care plan. A clinician can advise whether early assessment or antiviral treatment is appropriate for your situation.

A healthcare professional considers your symptoms, recent exposures, medical history and examination findings. A COVID-19 test may detect the virus from a nasal or throat sample. If breathing symptoms are significant, assessment may include oxygen measurements, chest examination and tests that look for complications such as pneumonia.

For mild illness, rest, regular fluids and simple measures for fever, aches or a blocked nose may help. Follow the directions on any medicine and check with a pharmacist or clinician before using it if you have a long-term condition, take regular medicines, are pregnant or are caring for a child.

Antiviral medicines may be considered for some people at higher risk of severe disease, and they need to be started early in the illness. Antibiotics do not treat COVID-19 itself because it is caused by a virus; they may be used only when a clinician identifies a bacterial infection.

Stay home and limit close contact while you are unwell, especially around people who may be vulnerable. Improve ventilation where possible, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands, and avoid sharing drinking glasses or utensils. Return to normal activity gradually as energy and breathing allow.

COVID-19 can lead to lower respiratory infection, including pneumonia, and may worsen existing heart or lung disease. Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, concentration problems or changes in smell and taste deserve medical review when they interfere with daily life or fail to improve.

Vaccination can reduce the chance of severe illness and is especially relevant for people at greater risk; follow current local eligibility advice. Staying away from others when sick, using good ventilation in shared spaces and practising respiratory hygiene can also reduce spread.

Contact a GP or urgent-care service if symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, fever is not settling, or you have a condition that raises your risk of severe illness. Emergency care is needed for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion or signs of reduced consciousness.