COVID-19: Symptoms, Treatment & When to Seek Care

What Is COVID-19 and How Does It Spread?

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. Transmission risk is highest in poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) emerged in late 2019 and quickly became a global pandemic. The disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), a type of coronavirus that primarily affects the respiratory system. While coronaviruses have existed for decades - causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like SARS and MERS - SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible and has caused unprecedented global health challenges.

The virus primarily spreads through the air when an infected person exhales, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. These respiratory droplets and smaller aerosol particles can travel varying distances and remain suspended in the air, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. This is why indoor environments with many people present a higher transmission risk than outdoor settings where air circulates freely.

You can become infected by inhaling virus-containing particles or by getting them on your hands and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. The risk of surface transmission (touching contaminated objects) is considered lower than airborne transmission, but hand hygiene remains an important preventive measure.

Incubation Period

After exposure to the virus, it typically takes 3 to 4 days before symptoms appear, though this can range from 1 to 14 days. During this incubation period, you may be able to spread the virus to others even before you realize you're sick. This pre-symptomatic transmission is one of the challenges that has made COVID-19 difficult to contain.

Contagious Period

Most people with COVID-19 are contagious from approximately 1-2 days before symptoms begin. The contagious period typically lasts about 5 days from symptom onset for most individuals, though this can vary. People with weakened immune systems may remain contagious for longer periods - sometimes weeks. Even if you only feel mildly unwell, you can still transmit the virus to others who may become more severely ill.

Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?

Yes, reinfection is possible. Having COVID-19 provides some natural immunity, but this protection decreases over time. The virus also continues to evolve, with new variants that can partially evade existing immunity. This is why public health authorities continue to recommend vaccination, even for those who have previously been infected.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms often resemble a cold or flu and include fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath. Symptoms typically appear 3-4 days after exposure and can range from very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms at all.

COVID-19 affects people differently - symptoms can vary significantly in type, combination, and severity. The disease often begins gradually, and you may experience just one or several symptoms. Understanding the range of possible symptoms helps you recognize the infection early and take appropriate action.

Common Symptoms

The following symptoms are frequently reported by people with COVID-19. You may experience any combination of these:

• Fever: Body temperature above 38C (100.4F), often with chills
• Cough: Usually a dry cough, though some develop a productive cough
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or exhausted, even with rest
• Sore throat: Pain or scratchiness in the throat
• Runny or stuffy nose: Nasal congestion similar to a cold
• Headache: Ranging from mild to severe
• Body aches: Muscle pain and general discomfort
• Loss of taste or smell: A distinctive symptom that can persist
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially with activity

Most people experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover at home. Symptoms typically improve within a few days, though some - like mild cough, fatigue, or changes in taste and smell - may linger for several weeks after the acute infection resolves.

Symptoms in Children

Children generally experience milder COVID-19 symptoms than adults. They may have cold-like symptoms, fever, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serious illness is rare in children, though it can occur, particularly in those with underlying health conditions. A rare but serious condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) can develop weeks after infection, causing inflammation in various organs.

When Should You Seek Medical Care for COVID-19?

Seek medical care if you experience shortness of breath when moving around, extreme fatigue making it difficult to get up, or sudden worsening of symptoms. Call emergency services immediately for severe difficulty breathing at rest, persistent chest pain, confusion, or bluish discoloration of lips or face. High-risk individuals should contact their healthcare provider early.

The vast majority of people with COVID-19 can safely recover at home with rest and supportive care. However, it's important to know when symptoms warrant medical attention. Some people deteriorate rapidly, and early intervention can be critical for positive outcomes.

Contact a Healthcare Provider If:

• You become short of breath when moving around or during normal activities
• You feel so exhausted that you have difficulty getting out of bed
• Your symptoms suddenly get worse after starting to improve
• You are in a high-risk group and want guidance on antiviral treatment
• Symptoms persist beyond 10 days without improvement

These situations apply even if you are vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness but doesn't eliminate it entirely.

How Can You Treat COVID-19 Symptoms at Home?

Manage COVID-19 at home by resting, staying well-hydrated, using fever-reducing medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and treating specific symptoms with over-the-counter remedies. Keep the room cool, elevate your head while sleeping, and gradually increase activity as you feel better. Monitor for warning signs that require medical attention.

Most people with COVID-19 will recover at home without needing medical treatment. The following strategies can help you feel more comfortable and support your recovery. Listen to your body and rest as needed - pushing yourself too hard may prolong your illness.

Rest and Activity Balance

Rest is essential for recovery, but prolonged bed rest isn't recommended. When you're feeling very unwell, allow yourself to rest but try to:

• Move your legs and feet periodically to maintain circulation
• Change positions regularly when lying down
• Sit up or stand briefly when you can
• Gradually increase activity as your energy returns

As you improve, try to spend some time outdoors if possible - fresh air and gentle movement can aid recovery. Pace yourself and don't rush back to full activity.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial, especially if you have fever or cough. Adequate hydration helps:

• Replace fluids lost through sweating and fever
• Keep mucus thin and easier to clear
• Prevent dehydration, which can worsen fatigue
• Support your immune system's function

Water, clear broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks are good choices. Try to eat even if you don't feel hungry - your body needs energy to fight the infection.

Managing Fever and Pain

While fever is part of your body's immune response, medication can help if you feel uncomfortable:

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Safe for most people, effective for fever and pain
• Ibuprofen: Also effective; follow package directions for dosing
• Follow dosage instructions carefully and don't exceed recommended amounts

Relieving Nasal Congestion

A stuffy nose can make breathing and sleeping difficult. Try these approaches:

• Saline nasal spray or drops: Safe for all ages, helps loosen mucus
• Decongestant nasal sprays: Effective but limit use to 10 days maximum to avoid rebound congestion
• Humidity: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam can provide relief

Soothing a Sore Throat

Throat discomfort is common with COVID-19. Try:

• Warm or cold drinks, whichever feels better
• Honey (for adults and children over 1 year) in tea or warm water
• Sugar-free throat lozenges
• Throat sprays or gargling with warm salt water

Managing Cough

A persistent cough can be exhausting. To help:

• Keep water nearby, especially at night
• Try honey-based cough remedies (not for children under 1)
• Over-the-counter cough medicines may provide relief for some people
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce nighttime coughing
• Avoid smoke and strong fumes

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort:

• Keep your room cool - slightly cooler temperatures can help with fever
• Use extra pillows to elevate your head when sleeping
• Open windows when possible for fresh air ventilation
• Wear light, breathable clothing

Who Is at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19?

Higher risk groups for severe COVID-19 include adults over 65, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic lung disease, or kidney disease. These individuals should seek medical advice early if they develop symptoms and stay current with vaccinations.

While COVID-19 can affect anyone, certain groups face significantly higher risks of developing severe illness requiring hospitalization or intensive care. Understanding these risk factors helps individuals and their families make informed decisions about prevention and when to seek care.

Major Risk Factors

The following conditions and circumstances increase the risk of severe COVID-19:

• Advanced age: Risk increases progressively after age 50, with those over 65 and especially over 80 at highest risk
• Immunocompromised status: Including organ transplant recipients, those on immunosuppressive medications, and people with HIV with low CD4 counts
• Chronic lung diseases: COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis
• Cardiovascular disease: Heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies
• Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2, especially if not well controlled
• Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher significantly increases risk
• Chronic kidney disease: Especially those requiring dialysis
• Neurological conditions: Stroke, dementia, and other conditions affecting brain function

What High-Risk Individuals Should Do

If you fall into a high-risk category, take these precautions:

• Stay current with vaccinations: Get boosters when recommended - they significantly reduce severe illness risk
• Contact your doctor early: If you develop COVID symptoms, don't wait to see if they worsen
• Consider keeping rapid tests at home: Early testing enables early treatment decisions
• Ask about antiviral treatment: Medications like Paxlovid work best when started within 5 days of symptoms

What Medical Treatments Are Available for COVID-19?

Most COVID-19 cases resolve with supportive care at home. For high-risk patients, antiviral medications like Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) can reduce severity when started within 5 days of symptoms. Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and other supportive treatments. Antibiotics do not help against viral infections.

COVID-19 treatment has evolved significantly since the pandemic began. While most people recover without specific medical treatment, effective therapies now exist for those at higher risk of severe disease. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs can shorten illness duration and reduce the risk of hospitalization when given early. These medications work by preventing the virus from replicating in your body:

• Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir): The most commonly prescribed oral antiviral, taken for 5 days. Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset. Highly effective at preventing severe disease in high-risk individuals.
• Other antivirals: Additional options may be available depending on your location and specific circumstances.

Your doctor will evaluate whether antiviral treatment is appropriate for you based on your risk factors, other medications you take, and how long you've had symptoms. These medications require a prescription and are typically reserved for high-risk patients.

Why Antibiotics Don't Help

COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and antibiotics only work against bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a viral infection is not only ineffective but can contribute to antibiotic resistance - a serious global health concern. Antibiotics may be prescribed only if you develop a secondary bacterial infection as a complication of COVID-19.

Hospital Treatment

A small percentage of people with COVID-19 become seriously ill and require hospital care. Hospital treatments may include:

• Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen for those with low blood oxygen levels
• Intravenous fluids: To maintain hydration if you can't drink adequately
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Such as dexamethasone for severe respiratory illness
• Other supportive care: Depending on which organ systems are affected

In severe cases, patients may require intensive care with mechanical ventilation to support breathing.

What Is Long COVID and How Common Is It?

Long COVID (post-COVID syndrome) refers to symptoms persisting for weeks or months after the acute infection resolves. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and body aches. Studies suggest 10-30% of people experience some Long COVID symptoms. Most gradually improve, but some may need medical support and rehabilitation.

While most people recover fully from COVID-19 within a few weeks, some experience persistent symptoms that continue long after the initial infection has cleared. This condition, known as Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), can affect people regardless of how severe their initial illness was - even those with mild acute symptoms can develop Long COVID.

Common Long COVID Symptoms

Long COVID can affect multiple organ systems and cause a wide range of symptoms:

• Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, often worsened by physical or mental exertion
• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mental "cloudiness"
• Shortness of breath: Breathlessness during activities that previously caused no problems
• Body aches: Muscle pain, joint pain, headaches
• Sleep problems: Insomnia or unrefreshing sleep
• Heart symptoms: Palpitations, rapid heart rate, chest discomfort
• Persistent changes in taste or smell: Complete loss or distorted perception
• Mood changes: Anxiety, depression, irritability

Who Gets Long COVID?

Research suggests that Long COVID is more common in:

• Women more than men
• Middle-aged adults (though any age can be affected)
• Those who had more severe acute illness
• People with certain pre-existing conditions
• Unvaccinated individuals compared to vaccinated

Recovery and Management

The good news is that most people with Long COVID do gradually improve over time, though the timeline varies considerably. Management strategies include:

• Pacing: Learning to balance activity and rest to avoid symptom flares
• Gradual rehabilitation: Slowly increasing activity levels under guidance
• Symptom-specific treatments: Addressing individual symptoms like pain or sleep problems
• Medical evaluation: Ruling out other conditions and monitoring recovery
• Support: Mental health support and peer support groups can help

If you're experiencing symptoms weeks after COVID-19 that interfere with daily life, consult your healthcare provider. Specialized Long COVID clinics exist in many areas to help patients recover. Learn more about Long COVID recovery →

COVID-19 During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant women with mild COVID symptoms generally don't need to seek medical care beyond normal monitoring. COVID-19 doesn't pass to the baby during pregnancy. Pregnant women with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity should consult their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms. Breastfeeding can continue safely during COVID-19 infection.

Pregnancy brings unique considerations regarding COVID-19. While most pregnant women with COVID-19 have mild illness and good outcomes, pregnancy does increase the risk of severe disease compared to non-pregnant women of the same age. Understanding the specific guidance helps expectant mothers make informed decisions.

If You're Pregnant and Get COVID

For mild symptoms without risk factors, you can typically manage the illness at home following the general guidance for rest, hydration, and symptom relief. However, contact your prenatal care provider if you:

• Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe obesity
• Have other chronic health conditions
• Develop any concerning symptoms
• Are unsure whether your symptoms require attention

Effect on the Baby

Research shows that COVID-19 does not pass from mother to baby during pregnancy (vertical transmission is very rare). The main risk is if the mother becomes severely ill, which could affect the pregnancy. This is why vaccination is recommended during pregnancy - it protects both mother and baby.

Delivery with COVID-19

Most women with COVID-19 can have a normal vaginal delivery. Cesarean section may be necessary if you become seriously ill and it's medically indicated, but COVID-19 alone is not a reason for cesarean delivery.

Breastfeeding

You can safely breastfeed your baby even if you have COVID-19. The virus has not been found in breast milk, and breastfeeding provides important antibodies that may help protect your baby. Practice good hygiene while caring for your infant - wash hands frequently and consider wearing a mask during close contact if you're symptomatic.

How Can You Prevent COVID-19 Infection?

Prevent COVID-19 through vaccination, frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding touching your face, staying home when sick, and maintaining good ventilation indoors. During high transmission periods, wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces provides additional protection. Avoid close contact with people who are known to be sick.

While COVID-19 continues to circulate, several effective strategies can significantly reduce your risk of infection and help prevent spreading the virus to others. Combining multiple prevention measures provides the best protection.

Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Key points about vaccination:

• Vaccines have been extensively tested and are safe and effective
• Even if you've had COVID before, vaccination provides additional protection
• Stay current with boosters as recommended for your age and health status
• Vaccines reduce both your risk of infection and of spreading to others

Hand Hygiene

Regular, thorough handwashing remains a cornerstone of infection prevention:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn't available
• Wash hands before eating, after being in public, after touching shared surfaces
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Respiratory Etiquette

If you're sick, protect others:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Dispose of tissues immediately in a closed bin
• Wash hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Stay home until you're no longer contagious

Environmental Measures

The space around you affects transmission risk:

• Improve ventilation by opening windows when possible
• Spend time outdoors rather than in crowded indoor spaces
• During high transmission periods, avoid poorly ventilated crowded settings
• Consider mask use in high-risk situations (crowded transport, healthcare settings)

When You're Around Someone Who's Sick

If a household member has COVID-19:

• Have the sick person isolate in a separate room if possible
• Use a separate bathroom if available
• Wear a mask when in shared spaces
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly
• Ensure good ventilation throughout the home