The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the common cold and the flu, and they can range from mild to severe. The symptoms may change with new variants of the virus, but the symptoms of the new COVID variants like Eris (EG.5) and Omicron BA.2.86 are the same as the original COVID-19 symptoms. The symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
Some people may have no symptoms at all, and many have only some, but not all of the symptoms. Symptoms can also vary, depending on whether you are vaccinated and boosted. More severe symptoms that require seeking medical help right away include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
In June 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added three symptoms to its COVID-19 list: congestion/stuffy nose, nausea, and diarrhea. It is important to note that COVID-19 symptoms can last for a couple of weeks, and some people may experience persistent symptoms that last at least 12 weeks, or even 3 months, after infection, known as long COVID.
