What are the common symptoms of COVID-19 that I should watch for?

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). Many people also experience fatigue, muscle aches (myalgia), or loss of taste or smell. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you develop any of these symptoms, it is important to get tested and isolate to avoid spreading the virus.

What the research says

According to a comprehensive review, the typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), myalgia (muscle aches), and fatigue ¹¹. These symptoms are the most frequently reported at the onset of illness. The same review notes that the average incubation period is about 6.4 days, meaning symptoms often appear around 6 days after exposure ¹¹. Another review on diagnostic approaches confirms that fever and cough are hallmark symptoms, and that loss of taste or smell (anosmia) is also a common early sign ⁹. While most people have mild illness, a minority develop severe hypoxia (low oxygen) requiring hospitalization and mechanical ventilation ¹¹. A study on hospitalized patients during different pandemic waves found that clinical characteristics varied over time, but respiratory symptoms remained central ⁸. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or worsening, you should contact a healthcare provider and consider testing.

What to ask your doctor

• What symptoms should I monitor most closely for COVID-19?
• When should I seek emergency care for COVID-19 symptoms?
• How long after exposure might symptoms appear?
• Are there any symptoms that are more common with current variants?
• Should I get tested if I have mild symptoms?