Is only cough a symptom of COVID?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 09, 2026
Coughing usually occurs along with other symptoms, and only around one in ten people with COVID-19 have a persistent cough as their only symptom.
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 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.
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.
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.
41 related questions foundWhat are the organs most affected by COVID‐19?
The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID‐19
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.
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 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.
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.
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%).
Are COVID-19 tests 100% reliable?
No test is 100% reliable, even those who meet regulatory standards for performance and safety. The results are also only relevant to that sample at that point in time.
Can you go back to daily activities after having your COVID-19 vaccine?
You should be able to resume activities that are normal for you as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.
Can I take a PCR test to post office while isolating for COVID-19?
You must not enter any post office with your test kit.
How long after having COVID-19 can I get the spring booster vaccine?
If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. If you have had confirmed COVID-19 you should ideally wait 4 weeks before having your spring booster.
Can I get COVID-19 or other infections even if I am vaccinated?
Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, however even if you are vaccinated there is a chance you might catch COVID-19 or another respiratory infection and pass it on to other people.
Does the COVID NHS pass show a COVID-19 booster?
COVID-19 booster vaccinations. You should get your COVID-19 booster as soon as you are eligible, but you do not need a COVID-19 booster vaccination to get an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use. If you've received a booster vaccination it will show in your NHS COVID Pass for travel within 5 days.
What are some common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in children?
Common side effects their arm feeling heavy or sore where they had the injection feeling achy or like they have the flu feeling tired having a headache
What are the possible side effects of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine?
The most common side effects with BNT162b2 (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever.
Can you take the COVID-19 vaccine if you have allergies?
Most people with allergies (including food or penicillin allergies) can be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Tell healthcare staff before you're vaccinated if you've ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis). They may ask what you're allergic to, to make sure you can have the vaccine.