How is coronavirus spread?

Coronavirus is spread through droplets from our nose or mouth. Wearing masks and social distancing is important to help control the spread of the virus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus

If you are showing signs of the below symptoms you need to isolate yourself and contact your GP to arrange a coronavirus test.

  • Common symptoms of COVID-19 

    • a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
    • a new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
    • shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
    • loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

    You may not have all of these symptoms. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu.

    An early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.

    Call the emergency services on 112 or 999 if you are very short of breath. For example, if you are so short of breath that you cannot complete a sentence.

  • Compare symptoms of COVID-19, flu and cold

    Symptoms

    COVID-19

    Symptoms range from mild to severe

    Flu

    Abrupt onset of symptoms

    Cold

    Gradual onset of symptoms

    Fever or chills

    Common

    Common

    Rare

    Cough

    Common (usually dry)

    Common (usually dry)

    Mild

    Shortness of breath

    Common

    No

    No

    Lost or changed sense of smell or taste

    Common

    Rare

    Rare

    Fatigue

    Common

    Common

    Sometimes

    Aches and pains

    Common

    Common

    Common

    Sore throat

    Sometimes

    Sometimes

    Common

    Headaches

    Sometimes

    Common

    Rare

    Runny or stuffy nose

    Sometimes

    Sometimes

    Common

    Feeling sick or vomiting

    Rare

    Sometimes

    No

    Diarrhoea

    Rare

    Sometimes in children

    No

    Sneezing

    No

    No

    Common

    If you are in doubt about any symptoms you have, phone your GP. They will discuss your symptoms with you and advise you on any steps you may need to take.

  • When a fever could be something else

    Some people may get a mild fever for a couple of days after they get the flu vaccine. This is normal.

    Fever is also a symptom of meningitis.

    Contact your GP straight away if you have a fever and other symptoms of meningitis: severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light

What are the symptoms of Long COVID?

Those with Long COVID usually experience several symptoms, which may cross over with one another and can change over time. While there are lots of different Long COVID symptoms, common symptoms can include:

Long-term effects of COVID-19

From breathlessness to joint & muscle pain, these are some of the symptoms associated with Long COVID that you need to know aboutAs the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues we’re constantly learning new things about the virus and how it can affect everyone differently. While most people with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health fairly quickly, some people can continue to experience symptoms for weeks and months. This is a condition now commonly known as Long COVID.

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID describes the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that continue or develop for weeks or months after the initial illness. It includes both ongoing COVID-19 symptoms (from four to 12 weeks after initial infection) and post-COVID-19 syndrome (symptoms that last for 12 weeks or more).

Research suggests that around one in five people who test positive for COVID-19 have symptoms for five weeks or longer. One in 10 people may experience symptoms that last 12 weeks or longer.

As well as physical symptoms, Long COVID can also cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Remember to speak to your GP or local LloydsPharmacy team if you’re worried about, or struggling with, any symptoms. You can also visit our mental health section for more info and contact information for our official charity partner Aware.

Can anyone with COVID-19 get Long COVID?

This one is a little tricky to answer as research is still going on. Developing Long-COVID symptoms is not thought to be linked to how severe initial COVID-19 symptoms were. It seems that even people who weren’t admitted to hospital, and who had a mild COVID-19 illness, can experience Long COVID.

As this is a new condition, there is currently no definitive answer for why the virus may cause Long COVID symptoms in some people but not in others (although there are lots of ideas).

How long does it take to recover from Long COVID?

Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to predict how long recovery from Long COVID will take. Recovery time is different for everyone and no one knows exactly how long it can last for.

Scientists across the world are working hard to find out more about what happens to people as they recover and how to help ease symptoms. If you’re worried about lasting, new or changes to your symptoms then speak with your GP.

If you have had COVID-19, you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your physical and mental health. The HSE has several useful articles available here to provide information and support anyone who has had a COVID-19 infection.

If you’re worried about your symptoms, or if they’re getting worse, make sure you speak to your GP.

More information

The HSE have further information available on their website. Click here to read more.