Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral infection that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can affect the airways and lungs, although this may vary from person to person.
The following article outlines the early signs and symptoms of the infection, how to spot them, and what to do if a person experiences symptoms.
Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.
What are the early symptoms?
A dry cough is a common early symptom of coronavirus infection.
They may also have a combination of at least two of the following symptoms:
fever
chills
repeated shaking with chills
muscle pain
headache
sore throat
new loss of taste or smell
According to 2020 researchTrusted Source, the prevalence of some of these symptoms appears to be:
Symptom Prevalence (%)
Dry cough 60.4
Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties 41.1
Fever 55.5
Muscle pain 44.6
Headache 42.6
Sore throat 31.2
Smell and taste disturbance 64.4
Fatigue 68.3
Fever
A person with a fever will feel hot to touch on their back or chest.
Dry cough
A dry cough does not produce mucus.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), if a person notices they are coughing a lot for over an hour, or they have three or more coughing episodes in a day, they may have coronavirus.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness and an overall lack of energy. A person with fatigue may feel drained, weak, or sluggish.
Shortness of breath
What are the other symptoms?
blocked nose
diarrhea
sputum, or coughed up mucus and saliva
nausea
vomiting
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What are the early symptoms in children?
Early symptoms of coronavirus infection in children are similar to those in adults.
Symptom Prevalence (%)
Fever 56
Dry cough 54
Shortness of breath 13
Children may also develop additional symptoms, such as:
blocked nose
muscle pain
runny nose
vomiting
diarrhea
abdominal pain
Children with COVID-19 are likely to recover in 1–2 weeks with no additional issues.
Parents and carers with children who are showing signs of a coronavirus infection should contact their health service provider and keep the child at home.
The child should also stay away from other people, especially those at higher risk of developing severe illness from coronavirus.
When to seek medical attention
Anyone noticing the following symptoms should seek medical attention immediately:
trouble breathing
constant pain, or pressure, in the chest
confusion
inability to wake up
blue tinted lips or face
A person with any of these symptoms, or other symptoms that are severe or causing concern, should call 911 immediately.
People should also tell the service operator that they think they have contracted coronavirus. If possible, they should put on a cloth face mask or covering before help arrives.
What to do about early symptoms
If a person notices that they or a child has symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, they should:
self-isolate at home, keeping separate from others in the property
stay indoors, unless seeking medical aid
get plenty of rest
stay hydrated with plenty of liquids
take over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medicine to soothe symptoms
monitor symptoms and phone the doctor if necessary
wear a face mask when around other individuals
follow local health department guidelines
wash hands regularly and thoroughly
avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
keep separate glasses, cups, dishes, eating utensils, towels, and bedding if sharing a house with others
clean and disinfect surfaces, such as doorknobs, counters, remote controls, phones, keyboards, bathroom surfaces, or tables frequently
A person can learn how to wash their hands properly here.
How to care for someone with early symptoms
These can include:
helping the care receiver follow any instructions from a doctor
keeping them hydrated
helping with groceries, prescriptions, and other requirements
caring for any pets
providing the care receiver with OTC medications when appropriate
monitoring their symptoms and looking for signs that they may need more medical help
washing cloth face masks after use
monitoring their own health for coronavirus symptoms
wearing disposable gloves when washing the care receiver’s dirty laundry
cleaning and disinfecting surfaces daily
using a separate bedroom and bathroom from the care receiver
ensuring good air ventilation to reduce chances of getting the virus
The person giving care should make sure they limit contact, as much as possible, with the individual they are caring for.
The carer should wear a face mask when near the sick person, and gloves if they come into contact with their blood, stool, or bodily fluids.
If the care receiver is trouble breathing easily, they should also always wear a face mask when the carer is nearby.
Frequently washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water is critical for the carer.
How is it transmitted?
Coronavirus typically spreads via small water droplets that a person with the virus produces when they talk, cough, or sneeze. When another person inhales these droplets, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter the body.
Droplets in the air can also land on surfaces and objects. People who touch these contaminated surfaces are at risk of infection if they then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.
People should follow the guidelines put in place by their local health organizations to ensure they keep themselves and others safe.
Prevention
They include:
washing hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if washing hands is not possible
avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
keeping away from people with a coronavirus infection
keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from other people
covering mouth and nose with a face cover when around others
covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces