Where the summer COVID-19 infections are hitting hardest

COVID-19 Symptoms

COVID-19 is a respiratory condition caused by a coronavirus. Some people are infected but don’t notice any COVID-19 symptoms (doctors call that being asymptomatic). Most people have mild symptoms and get better on their own. But some have severe problems, such as trouble breathing. The odds of more serious COVID-19 symptoms are higher if you’re older or have another health condition such as diabetes or heart disease.

Here’s what to look for if you think you might have the virus.

Types of Covid-19 Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to serious. Anyone can have symptoms at any intensity level. You don't have to have an underlying condition to develop severe symptoms.

Common COVID-19 symptoms

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• A dry cough and shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• A loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

These symptoms can start anywhere from 2 to 14 days after you’re in contact with the virus.

Emergency COVID-19 symptoms

You need immediate medical help if you have any of these issues:

• Trouble breathing
• Constant pain or pressure in your chest
• Bluish lips or face
• Sudden confusion
• Having trouble staying awake
• Having a hard time waking up
• Pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, or nail beds

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor’s office or hospital before you go in. This will help them prepare to treat you and protect medical staff and other people.

Strokes have also been reported in some people who have COVID-19. To identify signs of stroke, remember FAST:

• Face. Is one side of the person’s face numb or drooping? Is their smile lopsided?
• Arms. Is one arm weak or numb? If they try to raise both arms, does one arm sag?
• Speech. Can they speak clearly? Ask them to repeat a sentence.
• Time. Every minute counts when someone shows signs of a stroke. Call 911 right away.

The FDA has approved the antiviral drug remdesivir (Veklury) and nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid) to treat COVID-19 in some people. Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) has been given emergency use authorization for treating the virus. If you have serious COVID-19 symptoms, you should get one of these treatments as soon as possible.