COVID-19 is a coronavirus which causes a lower respiratory tract infection.  This means that most of the symptoms are felt in the chest and lungs.  Whilst 80 per cent of infections are mild, 20% can be moderate to severe, requiring hospitalization as there is a risk of death.  Upper respiratory symptoms seem to be mostly absent, although runny nose and sneezing have been reported in COVID19 cases.

Early symptoms include:

• Fever
• Dry Cough (the cough can later turn productive or blood may be expectorated)
• Fatigue

The virus can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock, and death.  Such severe symptoms may manifest as :

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Ongoing chest pain or pressure
• New confusion
• Can’t wake up
• Bluish lips or face

Other symptoms may include

• Bone or joint pain
• Sore-throat
• Headache
• Chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Swollen eyes