COVID-19 causes similar symptoms to the flu. Data from 55,000 cases in China has shown that:
fever is the most common symptom, occurring in almost 88% of cases
dry cough is the next most common, affecting almost 68% of those with the virus
Other symptoms can include:
fatigue, in 38% of cases
producing sputum or phlegm, 33%
shortness of breath, 19%
sore throat, 14%
headache, 14%
Unlike other coronaviruses that cause the common cold, COVID-19 is hardly ever associated with a stuffy nose. This is seen in just 5% of cases. Diarrhoea is also uncommon, affecting only 4%.
How can you self screen?
Screen yourself daily:
Do you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fatigue? (If yes, call your healthcare provider for medical advice and self-isolate.)
What is your current body temperature? (If higher than 37.5°C, this indicates you may have a fever. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice and self-isolate.)
If you answer yes to the below questions, you should already be in self-isolation:
Have you been in contact with anyone with a confirmed case of coronavirus within the last 14 days?
Have you travelled internationally in the last 14 days?
Body Temperature
Did you know that your body temperature can vary depending on where you take your temperature?
Oral (Mouth) Temperature: Normal temperature range: 35.5°C to 37.5°C.
Armpit Temperature: Normal temperature range: 34.7°C to 37.3°C.
Rectal or Tympanic (Ear) Temperature: Normal temperature range: 35.8°C to 37.7°C.
Forehead (Temporal Artery) Temperature: Normal temperature range: 35.8°C to 37.7°C.
What is considered a fever?
low-grade fever 37.5°C to 38.0°C.
moderate-grade 38.0°C to 38.5°C.
high-grade fever 38.5°C plus.
If you have a temperature over 37.5°C. this indicates you may have a fever.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice and self-isolate.
For more information read, 'What to do if you are sick'. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
