Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19, and the renin-angiotensin system. Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Symptoms can be similar, but there are subtle differences. (2021). COVID-19 infection can cause upper respiratory tract infections (URI). COVID-19 and sinus infections can cause similar symptoms, like headache, sore throat, and cough. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Enter the omicron sore throat, which is now among the chief complaints of people diagnosed with COVID-19. Sneezing. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The 2020 review of studies found that in the group of 1,773 people with confirmed COVID-19 infection, 4.1 percent developed nasal congestion and 2.1 percent developed a runny nose. Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.. A sore throat is a symptom of COVID, no matter which variant. Generally, acetaminophen is recommended for fevers, he said. I'm having a sore throat got a lot of drainage nose has been stuffed for days sneezing coughing body hurts hot and cold. More true than ever right now because [if youre] sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test thats COVID. And remember that a negative test result shouldnt be a sign to end isolation, especially if you still have symptoms. Insomnia Tied to Dramatic Rise in Heart Attack Risk, Just 500 Extra Steps a Day Can Lower Heart Disease Risk in Seniors, Study Suggests. Allergy symptoms usually last longer and are often seasonal. However, having a sore throat alone isn't the sign of being coronavirus positive. Understanding 7 Common Paxlovid Side Effects, symptoms often resolve within five to 10 days, for those at risk for severe complications, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Christenson encouraged people with asthma or COPD to follow their doctors advice on how to manage it: taking inhalers or medications as prescribed, covering your nose and mouth when outdoors, dressing warmly and avoiding symptom triggers. The most common nasal symptom of COVID-19 is a change in your ability to smell. According to Goldstein, a strep throat will often leave your lymph nodes swollen and tender, causing pain when you swallow. Vaccinated people were less likely to experience some other traditional symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as shortness of breath, fever, and loss of sense of smell. Where we succeeded, where we didn't, and what we learned. If you experience any warning signs, including difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, or trouble staying awake, seek emergency medical care right away. Most over-the-counter medicines have not proven to be effective against a cough or sore throat, according to Landon. Post-COVID syndrome causes serious symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle aches. - Answered by a verified Doctor . Sore throat. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related smell and taste impairment with widespread diffusion of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant. But dry nasal passages in the absence of more typical flu-like symptoms are unlikely to be a sign of COVID-19 infection. dry cough. Infectious disease experts have established that XBB.1.5 spreads more effectively due to a genetic mutation providing "stronger binding capabilities" to hosts, according to materials published by UCDavis Health. The symptoms of COVID-19 have continued to evolve with each emerging variant. As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information in this story may have changed since it was last updated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Less commonly, viruses like COVID-19 can lead . Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Stay informed with our live updates about the current COVID-19 outbreak. "Because most people have either developed a COVID-19 infection-related immunity, or have had their vaccines, individuals are starting to have more mild symptoms when they become infected," Dr. Brown says. Stay home and follow the current isolation and quarantine guidelines. ACE2 localizes to the respiratory cilia and is not increased by ACE inhibitors or ARBs. While it might seem like you have coronavirus, you may simply be experiencing seasonal allergies or influenza, Lindsey Elmore, PharmD, a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist and host of The Lindsey Elmore Show, told Healthline. A woman believes having coronavirus could have saved her life after a visit to the doctor for a sore throat she thought was caused by long COVID was actually diagnosed as cancer. Thats why a good rule of thumb is, when in doubt, you may want to consider getting tested for COVID-19. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. Dry air and freezing temperatures can dry out your airway which includes the nasal passage and part of the throat and cause discomfort, producing a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion. A sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary. A 2020 study found that a group of 35 people with COVID-19 reported a strange sensation in their nose or excessive nasal dryness significantly more often than people without COVID-19 infection. (2021). For symptom relief, its appropriate to take a pain reliever acetaminophen does a great job. Symptoms of the Delta variant include stomach pain, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, joint pain and hearing loss. Many conditions besides COVID-19 can also cause dry nasal passages. In a report from China of more than 1,000 patients, nasal congestion was seen in only 1 out of every 20 patients, Dr. Kristine S. Arthur, an internist at MemorialCare Medical Group in Laguna Woods, California, told Healthline. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. While most of the different COVID-19 variants show similar symptoms, they can vary in terms of their severity and spread. Serota also urged. nasal congestion. Keep reading as we examine how COVID-19 causes dry nasal passages and what other nasal symptoms can be signs of COVID-19 infection. Theyre all caused by viruses, but different viruses cause each of these infections., However, one key difference between the three is a symptom of [COVID-19] is shortness of breath, Yacoub told Healthline. (2020). The SARS-CoV-2 virus is thought to enter your cells through an enzyme called angiotensin converting hormone 2 (ACE2). During those months, people spend more time inside with allergens, Melinda said. Ive had unvaccinated patients have these symptoms for 10 to 14 days, whereas for vaccinated people theyre usually doing much better within a week, he says. 3. and continuing to wash your hands and practice good health hygiene. stuffy nose cough sore throat runny eyes sneezing I just got covid tested so I think I have a sinus infection or just a really bad cold but I dont know Im not having any breathing . One difference is sinusitis tends to take longer, around 10 days, to develop into a bacterial infection, while COVID-19 will come on more quickly.. Thats particularly true if youre fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Weisenberg seconds that: The main difference between the vaccinated and boosted and the unvaccinated is that the risk of severe disease is much higher in the unvaccinated.. Keep in mind the COVID-19 vaccine isnt meant to protect you from those symptoms its really meant to protect you from severe disease, he says. Thats how we treat it, thats how you should treat it.. Nasal discharge (typically green or yellow) Tooth ache or discomfort. While not a substitute for a consultation with a healthcare provider, it can be a useful starting point. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever or chills Dry cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea How to protect yourself from COVID-19 Get vaccinated or if you're already vaccinated, get your booster. Post-COVID Conditions. Facial pain or pressure that gets worse, specifically near the . Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), Your COVID-19 Symptoms May Vary Based on How Many Shots Youve Had, What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result. Some healthcare providers noticed that sore throat was a common symptom early in the omicron COVID-19 wave, saysScott Weisenberg, MD, an infectious diseases specialist and a clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications. However, as different strains of COVID spread, it's possible to have a COVID sore throat and no fever or other symptoms. Recovering from COVID-19 at home can be overwhelming. It can be caused by colder outdoor temperatures, or by the cold, flu, or allergies. Place a dust mite cover over your mattress and wash bedding once a week to minimize dust mite exposure. This enzyme is found in many tissues in your body, including the epithelial cells that line your nasal cells and mucus-producing goblet cells. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Also, as with COVID-19, colds are more likely to have generalized symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches, whereas allergies usually affect only the respiratory tract, Cutler said. With COVID-19, shortness of breath often occurs 5 to 10 days after the first sign of fever, Das said. Blogs are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Itchy Throat: Could It Be COVID-19 or Something Else? Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD Blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. Here are some at-home treatments and strategies that can help. Learn if throat ulcers can be a symptom of COVID-19, including how to tell the difference between COVID-19 and other infections that can cause these. About 17.9 to 33.3 percent of people with it dont develop any symptoms. Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma. Sometimes for asthma or COPD patients, it may take weeks to months to really get all the way back to baseline. Allergies should not cause a fever or body aches, Arthur said. Use this guide to get better and protect loved ones. an allergist and immunologist in Atlanta. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Luckily, infections caused by XBB.1.5 are not proving to be more serious or deadlier compared to earlier variants. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. Nasal congestion appears as an early symptom in some studies, but sneezing can also indicate other things, like allergies. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, it would be best to try to isolate until you are clearly on the mend.. Heres a look at common symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, a cold, and allergies. The same is true for pharyngitis. What you need to know about variants. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s guide for disinfecting, Prevalence and 6-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction: a multicentre study of 1363 COVID-19 patients, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related smell and taste impairment with widespread diffusion of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant, Symptom prevalence, duration, and risk of hospital admission in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during periods of omicron and delta variant dominance: a prospective observational study from the ZOE COVID Study, COVID-19 vaccines for people with allergies, You have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, Routine screening for schools or workplaces. It could be the first sign of a coronavirus infection caused by the omicron variant. Postnasal drip can cause an irritated sore throat. As such, they are "wet" and productive. Are You Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you have a mild case of COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, treatment is geared toward management of symptoms, said Cutler. Sherrill Brown, M.D., medical director of infection prevention for Los Angeles-based AltaMed Health Services, tells Good Housekeeping that the XBB.1.5 variant is the most infectious strain that experts have come across recently which officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in January, per ABC News. Your sore throat could also be the result of a strep throat infection. No two people experience a URI the same way. Follow the CDC guidelines for testing and care and watch your symptoms closely if you test positive. This variant has approximately 50 mutations, around 30 of which have been identified on the spike protein the part that attaches to human cells. For example, loss of taste and smell was more common with earlier COVID-19 variants, but fewer people with the Omicron variant report this symptom. Learn how it feels and how to manage it. Cough and sore throat also topped the list of most common symptoms in a U.K. national report released on September 30, 2022, with loss of smell, loss of taste, and shortness of breath less prevalent. If you are concerned, seek medical care right away. What Should You Do If You Feel Sick but Keep Testing Negative for COVID? In the United States, the only FDA-approved at-home antigen tests use a nasal swab. Allergies can cause a sore throat without fever in kids or adults, says Patel. But fever, muscle aches, a loss of taste. However, fewer symptoms were reported over a shorter period of time by people who had already had a vaccine, suggesting that they were feeling less seriously ill and getting better more quickly.. Does your throat hurt? Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If you've recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection last fall, your earned immunity against this new virulent strain may not be as protective as you think. That should give ample time for the body to develop a viral load that can be detected by a test, according to the agency. Digestive symptoms, like stomach pain, might be among the earliest symptoms of COVID-19 that you experience. These can include: The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. As one of a class of pathogens known as coronaviruses, COVID-19 is actually more closely related to the common cold than the seasonal flu. "The XBB.1.5 variant is a mutant variant of the Omicron strain and has been shown to be the most contagious variant of Omicron that we have seen so far.". Overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine if you have a sinus infection (sinusitis) or COVID-19. Muscle or body aches. An advisory panel is recommending the approval of two vaccines for RSV in older adults as concerns are rising about the spread of the illness in, Early reports find that the flu vaccine was 54% effective for adults under the age of 65 and 71% effective at providing protection for children and. Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. More: https://t.co/DmfPOAPMjW pic.twitter.com/Recw2ZEYx7. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild, he said. But were also seeing surges in COVID-19 all over the country, so theres a greater chance of getting infected. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. The Delta variant still accounts for more than 90 percent of new infections. Diarrhea. Part of HuffPost Wellness. How Long Does the Omicron Variant Last on Surfaces? Christenson stressed the importance of covering your nose and mouth with a mask while outdoors. Wash hands or shower and change clothing after spending time outside. Learn about causes, treatment, and. Inflammation is a defensive process our immune system uses to fight off COVID. or any increase in your usual respiratory symptoms should prompt you to. Tags: cough, fever, headache, sinus infection. You certainly can't get that back in 24 hours, and it's only done by specialized labs." Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include: Fever or chills. What have experts learned about omicron sore throat, and what does it mean for people who are vaccinated and those who arent? Diarrhea. By Heather Jones The CDC recommends testing in the following situations: Rapid tests are available over the counter. Learn how this happens and if you can prevent it. Although many of us have been trained to think of a sore throat as no big deal (as children, we were usually shipped off to school unless we also had a fever), COVID-19 requires a change of mentality. Omicrons prevalence in the upper airways may explain why it is more likely than earlier variants to cause a scratchy or sore throat as well as a runny or stuffy nose. You may also see redness, white patches, or pus on the back of your throat or tonsils. Both can present with just a single symptom (like a runny nose). Hay fever/rhinitis. Keep in mind that according to the data in both the survey and the report, many people infected with omicron dont have a sore throat or any symptoms at all. Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends to accompany the cold and influenza seasons during the fall and winter months. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. That said, you don't have to have every possible symptom to suspect COVID-19 or allergies. If you have asthma or COPD, you are probably keenly aware of what your usual cough or other respiratory symptoms are like in winter. In his experience, unvaccinated people tend to have more severe symptoms or a more dangerous course of COVID-19, whereas vaccinated and boosted patients who get COVID-19 typically have mild symptoms. . Lee pointed out that sometimes allergy-related sinus issues can decrease your sense of taste or smell, but its not stark or sudden unlike losing taste or smell due to COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For children - seek medical attention if: Your child is younger than 2 months and has a fever. FDA Panel Recommends Approval of First RSV Vaccine: What to Know, CDC Says Flu Shot Was Effective for Many Adults and Most Kids: What to Know, COVID-19 Pandemic: A 3-Year Retrospective on Masks, Vaccines, and Immunity, Norovirus: Why Cases are on The Rise and How to Avoid It, Can Bird Flu Infect People? Experts Answer Questions About the Outbreak, Marburg Virus Outbreak: What to Know About the Signs and Symptoms, at least 10 days from the time symptoms onset, once you go at least 24 hours with no fever and without taking fever-reducing medication, until your other symptoms show improvement, lips, nail beds, or skin that appears pale, gray, or blue. If you test positive for COVID-19, it is essential to isolate at home until you are well to avoid spreading the illness. Heres what to look out for and advice on how to stay safe this winter. These symptoms are more often associated with the common cold and werent typically associated with earlier presentations of COVID-19. Less frequently, says the World Health Organization, a COVID-19 infection can produce symptoms similar to the flu like aches and pains, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion or diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a coronavirus self-checker tool to help you decide when to seek testing or medical care. But its not clear how common these symptoms are. No difficulty breathing. 5. If your first test is positive, theres no need to take another test; assume the result is correct and that you have COVID-19. Lee suggested over-the-counter medications like intranasal corticosteroids or second generation oral antihistamines if its difficult for you to avoid an allergen. Will both allergy and COVID-19 symptoms respond to allergy medicine? While both can cause fever, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat, there are some differences between the two, said Melinda Cooling, vice president of Advanced Practice for OSF HealthCare and chief clinician executive for OSF OnCall. Is it a cold or sinus infection -- and am I contagious? In particular, symptoms like fever, body aches, loss of taste and smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms are usually only seen with COVID-19, and not with allergies. Probiotic supplements can be used as one part of an immune-boosting protocol to help reduce the likelihood of coronavirus infection. Investigators monitored 131 hospitalized. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. People living in communities with low vaccination rates and high rates of COVID-19 are more likely to have COVID-19, she said, especially outside of cold and flu season. There were some upper respiratory symptoms in delta and the other earlier variants, but not like were seeing with omicron, Galiatsatos says. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.. Being as diligent as possible is so incredibly important.. XBB.1.5 on Track to Become the Top COVID-19 Subvariant in the U.S. How to Take Care of Someone With COVID-19 and Not Get Sick Too, Some COVID-19 Patients Dont Recover Their Sense of Smell Scientists May Know Why, Losing Taste And Smell Due to COVID-19 Tied to Lower Reinfection Risk, Immunocompromised in the Era of COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself. There's clear evidence that XBB.1.5 replicates faster than other variants that affected under vaccinated communities earlier in the pandemic; CDC data illustrates that in January alone, infection rates associated with the variant climbed upwards of 8 to 10% per week, a concerning rate. Possible symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Studies aside, it's crucial to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, given that healthcare officials are clear that any measure of protection is crucial, especially for those at risk for severe complications. Dry air and freezing temperatures can dry out your airway which includes the nasal passage and part of the throat and cause discomfort, producing a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion. Now, it ranks among the most common symptoms. Lopez-Leon S, et al. As new research becomes available, well update this article. When vaccinated people do get COVID-19, they typically exhibit symptoms that are less severe than those experienced by unvaccinated people who have the infection. Is It Dandruff or Dry Scalp? Contact Us shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. including some infectious disease experts, First Flu-COVID Combination Home Test Gets FDA Okay, How to Relieve COVID-19 Muscle Aches and Pains, FDA Panel Votes to Make All COVID-19 Shots Bivalent. When people congregate indoors where ventilation is poorer in the winter, they are more likely to experience respiratory infections caused by influenza, rhinoviruses and other coronaviruses that are not COVID-19. Unvaccinated people are 5 times more likely to get COVID-19 than vaccinated people, according to the CDC, and 11 times more likely to die of the disease. An observant eye and jotting notes in a diary may help shine a light on the problem and its possible solutions. The analysis found that loss of taste and smell was less common with omicron than with delta, occurring in fewer than 1 in 5 people. With Evusheld not currently authorized, CDC recommends people with weakened immune systems and household members take multiple prevention measures to protect themselves against COVID-19. Get adequate rest, fluids, and watch your symptoms closely during that time. This will help slow the transmission of the coronavirus from people who dont have symptoms or people who dont know they have an infection.Wearing a face mask may have the added benefit of reducing transmission of other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, and also reduce inhalation of pollen and other allergens. COVID-19 Vaccine: Key FDA Panel Supports Updated Annual Shots. The new location is part of what makes omicron so contagious, he adds. (2020). In terms of differentiating between flu and COVID-19, it can be almost impossible to distinguish, Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care and Specialty Infusion in New York. (2021). This is especially true if you test too early. The study noted that "traditional" Covid symptoms such as . If you feel like you have a flu or infection coming on, dont wait around to speculate and get tested as soon as possible. An estimated 97 percent of people hospitalized with COVID-19 disease are unvaccinated, but a study from the United Kingdom found that just 0.5 percent of COVID-19 deaths were among vaccinated individuals. As we stay indoors more to escape the cold, we face extended exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander and more, said Gerald Lee, an allergist and immunologist in Atlanta. Inflamed tissues both swell up and produce fluid. Typically, you'll have facial pain/pressure, headaches, nasal drainage and congestion, decreased or loss of sense of smell, tooth pain and sore throat. COVID-19 symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure a window that can be wider than is typical for the flu, which usually presents symptoms within 1 to 4 days of transmission. Sometimes rinsing out your sinuses can help. And that lingering congestion can feel like it goes on forever. Along with causing a dry nose, COVID-19 can also lead to a dry, sore throat. Severe symptoms of COVID-19 that require immediate medical attention include: Bluish lips or face indicates a shortage of oxygen in the bloodstream. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Klopfenstein T, et al. Frequent swallowing. Congestion or runny nose. The main sinus infection symptoms include facial pressure or pain, discolored nasal drainage and congestion. Other symptoms of postnasal drip may include: A feeling of mucus draining into your throat. While you can't always prevent allergy symptoms, there are some things you can do to manage them and limit your exposure to allergens: The most effective way to manage allergies is to learn what you are allergic to and reduce or avoid exposure to it. In particular, symptoms like fever, body aches, loss of taste and smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms are usually only seen with COVID-19, and not with allergies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0399077X20301104?via%3Dihub. Common symptoms of sinus infections may include: COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms, Melinda said. Generally, [there is] no cough unless you have a lot of nasal drainage.. Researchers have improved their understanding of COVID-19 symptoms as theyve had more time to study the virus. Heat rash, sun rash -- what's the difference? Several variants are circulating in the United States. For many people, allergy symptoms respond well to antihistamines. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care, immediately: If you or someone else has COVID-19 and is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: This list is not exhaustive. A new study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, analysed the data of 204 patients with COVID-19 in China's Hubei province and found nearly 50 per cent had diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Started 3 days ago is not severe but i have been waking up with drainage - Answered by a verified Doctor. Fatigue. You can get one done at a pharmacy or health clinic. For example, some studies report people losing their smell or experiencing changes in their sense of smell for 3 months or longer. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. READ MORE: Some people who have experienced the coronavirus say diarrhoea was an early sign of the disease. Some people who develop a COVID-19 infection dont have any symptoms or feel unwell. Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, The COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 15% of norovirus tests are coming back positive. An August 2020 study found that of 223 adults with COVID-19, 16.1 percent developed a dry throat. If you have a sore throat and other COVID symptoms or you've possibly been exposed, get tested. "Only about 5-10% of COVID-19 patients will have an isolated sore throat. Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Body aches Congestion or runny nose Cough Fatigue Fever or chills Headache Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea New loss of taste or smell Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat "Symptoms can be similar, but there are subtle differences.