Symptoms of COVID-19: Symptoms of COVID-19 and long COVID

The symptoms of the coronavirus disease can range from mild to severe. The symptoms appear within 1–14 days of exposure to the virus. The symptoms typically last from a few days to a week, but they can last longer in some cases. During the symptomatic period of the viral infection, it is important to avoid close contact to prevent the spread of the disease.

Typical symptoms of the coronavirus disease:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of taste or smell

Diagnosis

COVID-19 can be diagnosed with at-home tests, but they are usually not necessary because the disease is treated like any other viral upper respiratory tract infection.

In healthcare, the exact pathogen may need to be determined, in which case a PCR test is usually performed.

The coronavirus disease is treated symptomatically. The symptoms usually improve on their own within 3–5 days. The symptoms can be treated at home with rest, sufficient fluid intake and fever-reducing medicines.

In more severe cases, especially in high-risk groups, the coronavirus disease may sometimes require hospital treatment.

Post-COVID-19 condition, or long COVID, may require long-term monitoring, treatment and rehabilitation in healthcare.

The coronavirus disease can be particularly dangerous for certain high-risk groups. These groups include:

• People aged over 70
• People with severe heart disease
• People with poorly controlled lung disease
• People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• People who are morbidly obese (body mass index greater than 40)
• People with chronic liver or kidney failure
• People who have an immune weakening disease, such as cancer, for which they are receiving active chemotherapy treatment
• People who take medication that severely weakens immunity, such as high-dose cortisone therapy

Learn more:
Detailed list of all high-risk groups (THL.fi)

As with other respiratory tract infections, it is important to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The following instructions will help you protect yourself from contracting and transmitting COVID-19:

1. Avoid close contact: Avoid unnecessary human contact until the fever has gone down and the symptoms have clearly started to improve. If you cannot avoid human contact, or if you have to visit a healthcare clinic while still symptomatic, we recommend wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of the virus through the air. If people living in the same household develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection, they should also avoid unnecessary contact with other people until their symptoms improve.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water and liquid soap for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands thoroughly.
3. Use hand sanitizer: Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if washing your hands with water and liquid soap is not possible. Use enough hand sanitizer to wet both hands completely.
4. Coughing and sneezing: When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow, not your hand. Immediately dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.

If you are concerned about the symptoms of the coronavirus disease, you can contact a physician without booking an appointment via Mehiläinen Digital Clinic. An in-person appointment may be necessary if the symptoms worsen or you are having difficulty breathing.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• You have shortness of breath
• Your general condition has worsened
• You have a high fever that does not respond to medication
• Your symptoms are persistent or worsen rapidly
• You are worried about your well-being or ability to cope at home with the symptoms.