COVID Symptoms: Spotting the Signs and Knowing What to Do

If you’ve felt a sore throat or a runny nose lately, you might wonder whether it’s just a regular cold or something more serious like COVID‑19. The good news is that most people can tell the difference by looking at the pattern of symptoms. Below we break down the most common signs, when they usually appear, and the steps you should take if you think you’ve caught the virus.

Typical COVID‑19 Symptoms in 2025

Since the pandemic started, the core symptoms have stayed pretty steady. Fever (often above 38°C), a dry cough, and loss of taste or smell are still the hallmarks. In the UK, the NHS reports that around 70% of positive cases mention at least one of these three. Fatigue, headache, and muscle aches also pop up frequently, especially with newer variants that tend to be milder but spread faster.

How COVID Differs From a Common Cold or Flu

A cold usually brings a sore throat and sneezing without a high fever, while the flu often hits you hard with a sudden fever, chills, and body aches. COVID‑19 can mimic both, but loss of taste or smell is a strong clue that it’s the coronavirus. If you notice a sudden change in flavor or you can’t smell coffee at all, it’s worth taking a test.

Timing matters, too. COVID symptoms typically show up 2‑5 days after exposure, whereas a cold can appear within a day. The flu’s incubation period is similar to COVID’s, but flu fevers are usually higher and last longer. Paying attention to when each symptom started can help you narrow down the cause.

What about the newer strains? The latest Omicron‑related variants have been reported to cause milder upper‑respiratory symptoms—runny nose and sore throat are now more common than a deep cough. However, they can still lead to serious illness in older adults or people with underlying health conditions. So even if your symptoms feel “just a cold,” it’s wise to stay cautious.

When should you get tested? The NHS advises testing if you have a fever, new loss of taste or smell, or a persistent cough that lasts more than 24 hours. Even a mild sore throat combined with any of these signs should prompt a rapid test. Testing sites are widely available across London and the rest of England, and many pharmacies offer free self‑swab kits.

If your test comes back positive, the next steps are simple: isolate for at least five days, monitor your health, and let close contacts know. Keep hydrated, rest, and consider over‑the‑counter pain relievers for fever or aches. Most people recover at home, but if you develop shortness of breath, chest pain, or a persistent high fever, seek medical help right away.

Vaccination still plays a big role. Even though the vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t catch COVID, it significantly lowers the risk of severe disease and reduces the length of symptoms. The latest booster, updated for recent variants, is recommended for anyone over 12 years old.

In short, watch for fever, a dry cough, and any change in taste or smell. Compare how quickly symptoms appear and how intense they feel. If you’re unsure, a quick test at a local pharmacy can clear things up. Staying informed and acting fast helps protect you and the people around you.