COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can be very similar to other illnesses, such as colds and flu.

Most people will only have mild to moderate symptoms and recover quickly and will not need hospitalisation.

It’s important that you monitor your symptoms while you recover and get help if needed.

If you have tested positive to COVID-19 you should stay home while you continue to have acute symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose). This is when you are most infectious. You should continue to take extra precautions for at least 7 days to protect others at greater risk to severe outcomes from COVID-19.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Adults (16 years of age and over)

• Fever (or signs of fever, including chills or night sweats)
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore or itchy throat
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell.

Children (15 years of age and under)

• Fever
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Dry cough
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Loss of or change in taste and smell
• Irritability.

It is important if you are at risk of severe illness to get tested if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are mild and even if you are up to date with your vaccinations.