Do I have a cold or coronavirus?

Do I have a cold or do I have coronavirus?

It’s a question any of us feeling unwell may have asked ourselves in recent days and weeks as COVID-19 cases rise.

While the odds of your having COVID-19 are much lower than the likelihood of your having the common cold or flu, it’s important you know what to look out for — and where you can get help.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough.

Some people also experience a sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, aches and pains, or diarrhoea.

Normally, our body temperature is between 36–37 degrees Celsius. Any temperature over 38 is classified as a fever, and so that is something to keep an eye on.

Symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. They typically appear three to four days after exposure to the virus, but sometimes up to 14 days later.

However, some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.