The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of billions of people around the world. As new variants continue to emerge, it remains crucial for people to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of this infectious disease in order to seek medical care early and prevent further spread.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can result in a wide range of symptoms. Some infected people may be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms, while others may become severely ill. The most common early signs and symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath. However, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Being aware of the range of possible early symptoms is important for getting tested and initiating isolation protocols quickly, which can help curb transmission.
Common Early Symptoms
Fever
One of the most common early signs of COVID-19 is a fever, defined as a body temperature over 100.4°F (38°C). A fever is a sign that the body is working hard to fight an infection. Fevers can develop anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Not everyone with COVID-19 will run a fever, but a high fever is more likely to occur with this disease compared to the common cold or flu. Taking temperature readings twice a day can help identify a fever early.
Cough
A new persistent cough is another key early symptom of COVID-19 to watch out for. This is usually a dry cough that persists for more than an hour or occurs in multiple bouts throughout the day. Some people with COVID-19 also experience wheezing, congestion, or phlegm production. The cough associated with COVID-19 is typically more severe than with a cold and does not improve significantly with home remedies. Pay attention to any new or different type of cough.
Fatigue
Fatigue related to COVID-19 can emerge early on and be quite debilitating in some people. This crushing sensation of whole-body tiredness is not relieved by extra sleep. Normal flu-like tiredness tends to improve with rest, while the fatigue from COVID-19 is unrelenting. Listen to your body and be aware of any unexplained exhaustion in the early days of infection.
Loss of Taste or Smell
Loss of taste and smell is a distinctive symptom that warrants a COVID-19 test. This neurological symptom develops in around half of people with COVID-19 and tends to appear early in the course of the disease, even with no other symptoms present. The loss of these senses may be complete or partial and can occur suddenly. This symptom normally lasts for 2-4 weeks but can persist in some people. Be on the lookout for any changes in ability to taste or smell.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a concerning early warning sign of COVID-19. This symptom can indicate that the infection is affecting the lungs and oxygen levels are dropping. Labored, rapid, shallow, or wheezing breathing patterns could signal reduced lung capacity. Shortness of breath often appears between 1-6 days after onset of other symptoms but can be the first noticeable symptom too. Take note of any change in your breathing.
Other Possible Early Symptoms
In addition to the most common early symptoms outlined above, some people with COVID-19 experience other various signs and symptoms in the first 1-2 weeks after exposure. These include:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion
- Headache
- Muscle/joint aches and pains
- Chills
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
These symptoms can be similar to those associated with common colds or flu. However, with COVID-19, they may be more severe, appear together, and persist or worsen over time. Paying attention to any new or unexplained symptoms and monitoring for progression can help identify COVID-19 in the early stages.
Unique Symptoms in Children
Children and infants tend to have milder cases of COVID-19 than adults, though severe illness can still occur. There are also some unique COVID-19 symptoms to look out for in kids. These include:
- Rash – Some children develop skin rashes or reddish-purple discoloration of the toes or fingers.
- Stomach symptoms – Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are more common in children than adults.
- Behavior changes – Irritability, reduced appetite, and lethargy may be a sign of infection in infants/toddlers.
Additionally, fever may be the only symptom displayed in some children with COVID-19. Parents should monitor temperatures and watch for any unusual rashes or behavior changes.
Atypical Early Symptoms in Some Cases
While the symptoms discussed above are considered typical early signs, COVID-19 can also produce some less common initial symptoms. Researchers are still learning about the wide array of ways this disease manifests. Some unusual early symptoms that have been reported in certain cases include:
- Skin rashes
- “COVID toes” – Reddish or purplish swelling of the toes
- Digit swelling
- Conjunctival infection
- Muscle pain
- Sore or burning eyes
- Vertigo
- Delirium or confusion
These atypical symptoms appear to be relatively rare, but experts say they should not be discounted – especially when combined with other typical COVID-19 symptoms. The takeaway is that infections can present differently in different people.
How Long Symptoms Appear After Exposure
COVID-19 has an incubation period of 2-14 days. This means that symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people begin to experience symptoms around days 3-5 after they were infected. However, about 40% of people infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic and never develop symptoms at all.
Here is a breakdown of how long after exposure common COVID-19 symptoms may first appear:
| Symptom | Time of Onset After Exposure |
|---|---|
| Fever | 2-14 days (average is around 3-5 days) |
| Cough | 3-5 days |
| Fatigue | 3-10 days |
| Loss of taste/smell | 3-5 days |
| Shortness of breath | 4-6 days |
Keep in mind that the exact timeline can vary between cases. But generally, COVID-19 symptoms tend to appear within 5 days of exposure, with fatigue, fever, and cough usually developing first. Isolate immediately at the first sign of symptoms and get tested to avoid infecting others.
Incubation Period for the Omicron Variant
The Omicron variant has become the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide. Research indicates that it has a shorter incubation period compared to previous variants. Symptoms may develop as soon as 3 days after exposure to Omicron.
Here is an overview of the typical incubation period for Omicron:
- Average incubation period: 3 days (compared to 5 days for the original strain)
- Range: 1 to 10 days
- Most common period: 3 to 5 days
This quicker timeline makes Omicron more transmissible. Even a small reduction in the incubation period can greatly impact how quickly an illness spreads through communities. The shorter window between exposure and symptoms also gives people less time to isolate before they become infectious. Staying up-to-date on vaccines and boosters remains critical.
How Long Before an Infected Person Becomes Contagious
COVID-19 is highly contagious and people can transmit the virus to others before symptoms start. The time between exposure to the virus and becoming contagious is called the latent or presymptomatic period. For the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, the typical latent period was 3 days.
Research indicates that for Omicron this presymptomatic transmission window may be shorter:
- Omicron latent period: 2 days
- Original strain latent period: 3 days
This means people infected with Omicron may be able to start transmitting the virus to others 2 days after they were exposed. Given the shorter incubation and latent periods, isolation should begin as soon as possible when Omicron infection is suspected or confirmed through testing.
How Long Symptoms Last
For mild-to-moderate cases, COVID-19 symptoms typically last around 2 weeks. People with mild illness are considered contagious for about 10 days after symptoms first appeared. In more severe cases, symptoms can last 3-6 weeks or more.
Here is an overview of how long COVID-19 symptoms usually last if caused by the Omicron variant:
- Mild cases: 5-7 days
- Moderate cases: up to 2 weeks
- Severe cases: 3 weeks or more
However, some people continue to experience health issues like fatigue, brain fog, coughing, and headaches for months after other symptoms resolve. This is known as “long COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome.” Staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and pacing activities may help recovery.
Getting Tested When Symptoms Appear
If you experience potential COVID-19 symptoms, getting tested promptly is crucial. There are two main types of viral tests available:
- Molecular tests (PCR or NAATs) – Detects viral genetic material. Most accurate but results take 1-3 days.
- Rapid antigen tests – Detects specific proteins. Quick results in 15-30 minutes but more prone to false negatives.
Molecular tests are considered the “gold standard” but rapid at-home tests can provide quick answers if used properly. Talk with your doctor about the best testing options and isolate at home while awaiting results.
Seek Medical Care for Severe Symptoms
Most cases of COVID-19 are mild, especially for vaccinated individuals. But seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of these emergency warning signs:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Also look out for signs of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, which requires hospital care. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, dizziness, and eye redness.
Calling 911 or going to an emergency room is advised if you or a family member develop these serious symptoms. Alert medical staff that COVID-19 is suspected.
How to Differentiate From Other Illnesses
Some early symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of other common respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. However, there are some key differences to be aware of:
| COVID-19 | Cold | Flu | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common | Rare | Common |
| Cough | Common (dry) | Mild | Common (dry) |
| Fatigue | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Aches | Sometimes | Common | Common |
| Loss of taste/smell | Common | Rare | Sometimes |
In general, COVID-19 symptoms tend to be more severe, appear together, and worsen over time. Flu improves after a few days while COVID persists. Getting tested is recommended to confirm.
Conclusion
Identifying COVID-19 early is key to ensuring proper care and preventing transmission to others. Typical symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue usually appear within 5 days of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, symptoms can manifest differently between cases. Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms and monitor for breathing issues, high fevers, and other warning signs. Stay up-to-date on vaccines, get tested if symptoms develop, and isolate immediately to protect yourself and the community.
