Does COVID produce phlegm?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 08, 2026
A dry cough is one of the most common coronavirus symptoms, but some people may have a cough with phlegm (thick mucus).
What are some of the symptoms of COVID-19?
Most common symptoms:
fever
cough
tiredness
loss of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms:
sore throat
headache
aches and pains
diarrhoea
a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
red or irritated eyes.
Can you catch COVID-19 again?
Yes, it is possible to get Covid-19 two, three or even more times. As new variants have emerged, and immunity from previous infection and immunisation has reduced over time, reinfection with Covid-19 has become increasingly common.
Can people with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover at home?
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
How do I know if I have COVID-19 or flu?
It is not possible to tell if you have COVID-19, flu or another respiratory infection based on symptoms alone. Most people with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections will have a relatively mild illness, especially if they have been vaccinated.
What are some of the most common symptoms of the COVID-19 Delta variant?
Cough, fatigue, headache and loss of taste and/or smell continue to be the most commonly reported symptoms in those testing positive.
Can you take ibuprofen if you have the coronavirus disease?
Patients can take paracetamol or ibuprofen when self-medicating for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and headache, and should follow NHS advice if they have any questions or if symptoms get worse.
What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
What should I do if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If you have a positive COVID-19 test result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19 even if you do not have any symptoms. You can pass on the infection to others, even if you have no symptoms.
What is the new guidance for people with suspected COVID-19 symptoms?
From 1 April, updated guidance will advise people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, and a high temperature or who feel unwell, to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature.
Can you still catch COVID-19 after having the booster vaccine?
Can you still catch COVID-19 after having the vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19. It may take a few days for your body to build up some protection from the booster.
Can I develop immunity to COVID-19 after testing positive for PCR?
If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19, you will probably have developed some immunity to the disease. However, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone will develop immunity, or how long it will last. It is possible for PCR tests to remain positive for some time after COVID-19 infection.
How long do I have to wait for my booster after having COVID-19?
If you have a COVID-19 positive result, when can you have a booster? You will still need the booster but you should wait at least 4 weeks from your COVID-19 infection.
What are the organs most affected by COVID‐19?
The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID‐19
How long can you not eat or drink before a COVID-19 test?
Do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes before doing your test to reduce the risk of spoiling the test.
In what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?
Coronaviruses die very quickly when exposed to the UV light in sunlight. Like other enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 survives longest when the temperature is at room temperature or lower, and when the relative humidity is low (<50%).
Is it safe to live in the same house as someone with COVID-19?
People who live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 are at the highest risk of becoming infected because they are most likely to have prolonged close contact. People who stayed overnight in the household of someone with COVID-19 while they were infectious are also at high risk.
How long should care home residents isolate after testing positive for COVID-19?
Residents who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 10 days and take part in daily lateral flow testing from day 5. They can end self-isolation after receiving 2 consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart, or after 10 days' isolation.
How long does a PCR home test for people eligible for new COVID-19 treatments take?
Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test will take about 30 minutes.
How long does a coronavirus disease home test take?
Checklist: what you need to do Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test will take about 30 minutes.
Can I walk someone else's dog during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If it is not possible for someone else to exercise the animal for you, you may take the animal to exercise outdoors. You should visit places where you will not have contact with other people.
If you are exercising an animal on behalf of someone who is avoiding contact with people, you should wash your hands before and after contact with it. Working with animals Follow the guidance for working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19). As an employer, you should consider: completing a health and safety risk asse
Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
It is very unlikely that COVID-19 is transmitted through food. However, as a matter of good hygiene practice, anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before doing so. Crockery and eating utensils should not be shared. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
What is a healthy diet during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Every day, eat a mix of wholegrains like wheat, maize and rice, legumes like lentils and beans, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables , with some foods from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and milk).
• Choose wholegrain foods like unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice when you can; they are rich in valuable fibre and can help you feel full for longer.
• For snacks, choose raw vegetables, fresh fruit, and unsalted nuts.
What are the most common adverse reactions to the covid-19 vaccine?
The most frequent adverse reactions in trials were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, myalgia (muscle pains), chills, arthralgia (joint pains), and fever; these were each reported in more than 1 in 10 people.
What are the long lasting fruits and vegetables I should buy for COVID-19 quarantine?
WHO recommends consuming a minimum of 400 g (i.e. 5 portions) of fruits and vegetables per day. Citrus fruits like oranges, clementines and grapefruit are good options, as well as bananas and apples, which can also be cut into smaller pieces and frozen for later consumption or to add to smoothies.
Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips and beets, as well as vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are relatively nonperishable. Garlic, ginger and onions are also great options to keep at home, as they can be used to add flavour to a variety of meals.
