Symptoms

Covid-19

Many people infected with Covid-19 may not exhibit any symptoms, this is because symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu. Due to the incubation period, symptoms may not occur until 14 days after the virus has infected the body. However, the most common symptoms experienced by people infected with the coronavirus include:


 * Fever
 * Dry Cough/Sore throat
 * Fatigue
 * Difficulty breathing
 * Pneumonia in both lungs
 * Loss of smell or taste (extreme cases)

Some of the less frequent symptoms that have been shown are: coughing sputum, headaches, and diarrhea.

While most cases exhibit mild to moderate symptoms, there are some cases where severe symptoms occur such as difficulty breathing and pneumonia. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to contact your local testing centre.

Diagnosing Covid-19
Covid-19 is diagnosed by healthcare providers through a medical test. The medical test is administered by medical professionals, this test requires a viral throat swab in which a sterile swab is inserted through the nose and into the upper respiratory tract in order to collect cells to test. Once the test is administered, it takes about 2-4 days to receive the results. If someone is diagnosed with Covid-19, treatment options will be discussed by your healthcare provider.

Covid-19 vs. Common Cold vs. Flu
Though the symptoms are common between Covid-19, the Common Cold, and the Flu, there are some factors to help distinguish which illness you have.

This Chart created by Alberta Health Services compares the three illnesses and lists the symptoms that are common or rare.