What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste, and fatigue. Testing, self-care, and vaccination help reduce risk. Recognising symptoms early can prevent spread and support recovery.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 6 minute read
  • 1,095 words (2.7 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Family
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

Let's get started...

COVID-19 has affected people all over the world, and understanding its symptoms is essential for recognising when you or someone else might have the virus. The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and can vary depending on the individual. Some people recover quickly, while others experience symptoms for weeks or even months. Knowing what to look out for can help you take action and prevent the spread of the virus.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.

Although some people with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all, others can become seriously ill. The virus affects people differently, and even young and healthy individuals can feel unwell for weeks.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others may develop severe complications.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

The most frequently reported symptoms include:

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
  • Fever or Chills: A high temperature (usually 38C or above) is one of the most common signs of COVID-19.
  • Cough: A persistent cough that lasts for more than an hour or occurs multiple times a day can be a symptom.
  • Loss of Taste or Smell: Some people completely lose their sense of taste and smell, even without other symptoms.
  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even after resting, is a common symptom of COVID-19.
  • Sore Throat: Some people develop a sore throat, similar to symptoms of a cold or flu.
  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, even while resting, can be a sign of COVID-19.
  • Muscle or Joint Pain: Some people feel achy or experience joint stiffness.
  • Headache: A persistent headache is another symptom that many people report.

Less Common Symptoms

Some people with COVID-19 experience less typical symptoms, including:

  • Stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
  • Skin rashes or changes in skin colour
  • Eye irritation or conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Runny or blocked nose

Severe Symptoms (Seek Emergency Help)

In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to serious health complications. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences:

  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Blue lips or face

The Real-Life Impact on a Young Person

COVID-19 has affected everyone in different ways, but for teenagers, it has meant missed school, isolation, and uncertainty.

Sam's Story:

Sam, 17, thought COVID-19 was just like a bad cold. When his best friend tested positive, Sam wasn't too worried. A few days later, he woke up feeling exhausted and had a sore throat. By the evening, he had a fever and started coughing.

Sam had to isolate in his room for 10 days, missing school and football practise. Even after he recovered, he still felt tired and found it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork. He realised that COVID-19 could affect anyone, even young people who are normally healthy.

What Should You Do If You Have Symptoms?

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, here's what you should do:

1. Take a COVID-19 Test

If you have symptoms, taking a lateral flow or PCR test can confirm whether you have COVID-19.

2. Self-Isolate If Necessary

If you test positive, follow government guidance on self-isolation to prevent spreading the virus to others.

3. Rest and Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and avoid strenuous activities while recovering.

4. Seek Medical Advice If Symptoms Get Worse

If your symptoms become severe, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, seek medical help immediately.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Catching COVID-19?

While COVID-19 is still circulating, there are ways to protect yourself and those around you.

1. Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness from COVID-19.

2. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Keeping your hands clean reduces the risk of spreading germs.

3. Wear a Mask in High-Risk Areas

Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.

4. Keep Rooms Well-Ventilated

Opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate can reduce virus particles indoors.

5. Avoid Close Contact with People Who Are Unwell

Staying away from people who have COVID-19 symptoms can lower your chances of catching the virus.

Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?

Yes, it is possible to catch COVID-19 more than once. New variants mean that immunity from previous infections may not fully protect against reinfection.

What Is Long COVID?

Some people continue to experience symptoms long after recovering from COVID-19. This is known as long COVID and can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog (difficulty concentrating)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Sleep problems

If you experience ongoing symptoms, speak to a doctor for advice.

How Can You Support a Friend Who Has COVID-19?

If a friend tests positive, here's how you can help:

  • Send them messages to check on how they're feeling
  • Offer to help with schoolwork if they're missing lessons
  • Drop off food or essentials if they need them

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, and recognising them early can help prevent the spread. If you develop symptoms, testing, resting, and following health advice can help you recover safely.

While most young people recover quickly, COVID-19 can still have a big impact on school, social life, and mental health. Staying informed and taking precautions will help keep you and those around you safe.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.