World Health Organizations Symptom Checker
The first symptoms of COVID-19 typically show up between two and 14 days after exposure.
Experts say to watch for fever (88% of cases), dry cough (68%) and shortness of breath (about 20%). Close to 40% of those with the novel coronavirus experience exhaustion and a third complain of excess phlegm. Smaller shares complain of a runny nose or headache. If your cough isn’t dry, you are not necessarily free of the virus.
WHO said the most severe cases of the coronavirus infections may develop pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
The vast majority of cases — 80% — will be mild and can be managed at home without special treatment.
Some Patients Worse Off Than Others
Some people experience relatively mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all. Others have no option but hospital treatment due to breathing complications, or other pre-existing conditions.
Some patients report deep aching in the stomach, ribs and lungs, and many of them have a cough that persists for many weeks afterward.
An Unusual Symptom in Some People
Rhinologists now believe someone experiencing a sudden loss of smell could be a "hidden carrier" of the coronavirus, even with no other symptoms.
