COVID-19 symptoms and what to do Symptoms of COVID-19 COVID-19 symptoms can include: a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath feeling tired or exhausted an aching body a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer. What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either: have a high temperature do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare. Information: If you are eligible for treatments for COVID-19, you should take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as you get symptoms.