Everyone who gets COVID-19 will experience it differently.
Most people who are vaccinated will experience mild symptoms. People are not vaccinated can expect more severe symptoms.
Common symptoms
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Headache
Fatigue
Diarrhoea
Vomiting or nausea
Loss of smell
Loss of taste
Get tested
If you get any symptoms of COVID-19, get tested.
No matter the result of your test, you should stay home until you are well again.
If you’re concerned, you can complete a short survey now to get advice on how to manage your symptoms.
If you get COVID-19
If your COVID-19 test is positive, it means you have COVID-19.
Learn what to do if you have COVID-19.
Most people, especially those who are vaccinated, will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
Symptoms of COVID-19, compared with flu, common cold and allergies
If you have symptoms, it is very difficult to tell if you have COVID-19, the flu, a cold or allergies. You should get tested to be sure.
Symptoms of COVID-19 compared with flu, common cold and allergies
| Symptoms | COVID-19Symptoms range from mild to severe | ColdGradual onset of symptoms | FluAbrupt onset of symptoms | Allergies*May be abrupt or gradual onset of symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common | Rare | Common | No |
| Cough | Common | Common | Common | Common (asthma) |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | Common | Sometimes (itchy throat and palate) |
| Shortness of breath | Sometimes | No | No | Common (asthma) |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
| Loss of smell and/or taste | Common | Common | Common | Common (hay fever) |
| Aches and pains | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | No |
| Headaches | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Diarrhoea | Rare | No | Sometimes (Especially for children) | No |
| Sneezing | No | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Vomiting or nausea | Sometimes | Rare | Common in children Rare in adults | No |
Adapted from material produced by Australian Government Department of Health, WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
*Respiratory allergies include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and allergic asthma. Other common symptoms of hay fever include itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Article by: Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
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