Coronavirus symptoms: how long it takes for coronavirus symptoms to appear - and what they are

The team of virologists examined more than 180 cases of Covid-19, gaining a more accurate picture of the virus’ incubation period in humans.

Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the findings suggest that, on average, it takes just over five days for symptoms of Covid-19 to develop.

The study also found that 97 per cent of all people who get the virus will develop symptoms within 11 days from the time when they were first infected.

Symptoms of coronavirus can take several days to show. | Other 3rd Party

The estimates in the report “can help public health officials to set rational and evidence-based COVID-19 control policies,” the authors wrote.

What are Covid-19’s symptoms?

The Covid-19 strain of coronavirus has several common symptoms:

What are the symptoms of coronavirus? Copyright: JPI Media. | JPIMedia

A cough (usually dry) Fever Fatigue Sore throat Breathing difficulties (in more severe cases)

The NHS notes, “Do not leave your home if you have either:

– a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.”

Who is worst affected by Covid-19?

As with other viruses, like the flu, some groups will be worse affected than others. Older people, and those with pre-existing conditions, are at greater risk of Covid-19.

You may be at increased risk from coronavirus if you:

- are 70 or older

- are pregnant

- have a condition that may increase your risk from coronavirus

Conditions that may increase your risk:

- lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis

- heart disease, such as heart failure

-chronic kidney disease

- liver disease, such as hepatitis

- conditions affecting the brain and nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

diabetes

- problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you've had your spleen removed

- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

- being very overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)

How do I protect myself from coronavirus?

The NHS explains that, “The advice for people who may be at increased risk from coronavirus is the same as for most other people.

“You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

- one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

- any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

- travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

Coronavirus: the facts

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus and is spread primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that you should not leave the home if you have either:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

When can I go outside?

The Government has put the UK into lockdown and instructed everyone to stay at home. You should only leave your home for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

However, these reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.