COVID-19 Quiz
Check your symptoms and
find possible causes with AI for free
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the COVID-19 test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Body ache
Hands and feet feel hot
Have a fever
Have a headache
Pain when swallowing
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Typical Symptoms of COVID-19
- Joint pain affecting multiple joints throughout body
- Whole body pain
- Warm hands and feet
- Fever
- Headache
- Discharge of yellow or green sputum.
- Cough worsens after exercise
- Sore throat with pain when swallowing
Diagnostic Questions for COVID-19
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have joint pain in multiple joints throughout your body?
- Do you have pain all over your body?
- Do you have warm hands and feet?
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you have a headache?
Treatment of COVID-19
Early antiviral treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications like hospitalization and death. It is especially recommended for people most at risk for severe disease like the very young, elderly or people with pre-existing conditions. Several antiviral medications can inhibit viral replication, especially when administered in the early stages of infection. This can help shorten the duration of symptoms and prevent progression to severe disease. In cases where COVID-19 leads to serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or respiratory failure, hospitalization may be required. Treatment may include oxygen therapy, antiviral medications, and supportive care. It's crucial to seek medical attention as early as possible to receive timely treatment and minimize risks.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Think you might have
COVID-19?
Try a symptom check testHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min COVID-19 quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- My whole body aches and I feel weak
- Body aches and chills
- Hot palms and feet
- Joint pain and stiffness all over body
- My body is hot
- Whole body aches no fever
- Limbs feel hot
- Pulsating headache
- My whole body hurts
- Recurrent fevers
- Warm hands and feet but no fever
- Whole body pain
- Headache on the side of my head
- Fever with hot hands and feet
- Periodic fever (>100.4°F / 38°C)
See full list
Symptoms Related to COVID-19
FAQs
Q.
Are my symptoms "long COVID" and how would I know?
A.
There are several factors to consider—“long COVID” generally means new or ongoing symptoms (often fatigue, breathlessness, or brain fog) that last beyond 4–12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection and may flare with physical or mental effort. To know if this applies to you, check the timing, pattern, and impact on daily life, and have a clinician rule out other causes with basic labs and heart/lung evaluations (seek urgent care for severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, or signs of a blood clot). See below for a complete checklist, specific tests, self-care and rehab strategies, and red flags that can guide your next steps.
References:
Lopez-Leon S, Wegman-Ostrosky T, Perelman C, et al. (2021). More than 50 long-term effects of COVID-19: a systematic review… Sci Rep, 34526213.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34526213/
Castera L, Forns X, Alberti A. (2008). Non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis using transient… J Hepatol, 18061245.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061245/
Tsochatzis EA, Bosch J, Burroughs AK. (2014). Liver cirrhosis. Lancet, 24613306.
Q.
Can cats get COVID and give it to people?
A.
Cats can catch SARS‑CoV‑2 (usually from their owners) and most have mild or no symptoms; importantly, there are no confirmed cases of cats transmitting COVID to people, and CDC/WHO consider the risk low. There are several factors and precautions to consider if someone in your home is sick—see below for details on reducing risk, what symptoms in cats to watch for, and when to contact a vet or doctor.
References:
Shi J, Wen Z, Zhong G, et al. (2020). Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals to… Science, 32269068.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32269068/
Zhang Q, Zhang H, Gao J, et al. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing serum antibodies in cats: a serological inves… Sci China Life Sci, 32750167.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32750167/
D’Amico G, Garcia-Tsao G, Pagliaro L. (2006). Natural history and prognostic indicators of survival in cirrhosis: a sy… J Hepatol, 16337482.
Q.
Could the COVID vaccine lead to infertility?
A.
Current evidence shows COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility in men or women—large studies (including IVF), global pregnancy registries, and major medical organizations (ACOG, ASRM, WHO) all support their safety for fertility and pregnancy. If you’re trying to conceive or undergoing treatment, there’s no need to delay vaccination; infection itself poses more risk to reproductive health—there are several factors to consider, so see the details below for how this may affect your next steps and when to contact a clinician.
References:
Bentov Y, Beharier O, Moav-Zafrir A, et al. (2021). Ovarian follicular function is not altered by COVID-19 infecti… Hum Reprod, 34166960.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34166960/
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2018). EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of… J Hepatol, 30145135.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30145135/
Castera L, Friedrich-Rust M, Loomba R. (2019). Noninvasive assessment of liver disease in patients… Gastroenterology, 30542667.
Q.
How are the new COVID strains different and should I be worried?
A.
New COVID strains mainly differ in how easily they spread, how well they dodge parts of our immune defenses, and (to a lesser extent) how severe illness may be. Vaccines and boosters still provide strong protection against severe disease, so aim for informed vigilance rather than alarm, especially by updating shots and using layered precautions in higher-risk settings. There are several factors to consider—like your personal risks, local spread, and when to test or seek care—so see below for important details that could shape your next steps.
References:
Harvey WT, Carabelli AM, Jackson B, et al. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 variants, spike mutations and immune escape. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 33868650.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33868650/
Wang P, Nair MS, Liu L, et al. (2021). Antibody resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and B.1.1.7. Nature, 33879001.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33879001/
Tsochatzis EA, Bosch J, & Burroughs AK. (2014). Liver cirrhosis. Lancet, 24734871.
Q.
What is the “razor threat” COVID variant and should parents be worried?
A.
The “razor threat” COVID variant isn’t an official WHO designation but a media nickname for spike mutations; early lab data suggests modest immune escape, with no real-world evidence it’s more severe in children. Parents shouldn’t panic—keep up vaccination/boosters, masking in crowded indoor spaces, good ventilation and hand hygiene, and test promptly while watching for red-flag symptoms, especially in kids with chronic conditions. There are several factors to consider that could change your next steps (when to test, isolate, or seek urgent care); see below for important details and tools.
References:
Harvey WT, Carabelli AM, Jackson B, et al. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 variants, spike mutations and immune escap… Nat Rev Microbiol, 34075212.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34075212/
Götzinger F, Santiago-García B, Noguera-Julián A, et al. (2020). COVID-19 in children and adolescents in Europe: a multicentre cohor… Lancet Child Adolesc Health, 32473319.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32473319/
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2018). EASL clinical practice guidelines on the management of decompe… J Hepatology, 29677105.
Q.
Are there any current COVID vaccine mandates and who do they apply to?
A.
As of late 2025, there is no universal U.S. COVID vaccine mandate, but targeted requirements remain—most notably the federal CMS rule for staff at Medicare/Medicaid-participating hospitals, nursing homes, home health, and other long-term care facilities. Some states and cities (especially for health and long‑term care), certain colleges, and many private employers still require vaccination; domestic travel has no mandate, while international entry rules vary by country. There are several factors to consider depending on where you work, study, or travel—see the complete details below.
References:
Mello MM, & Katz R. (2020). Failing the test — refusing to mandate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for health care… N Engl J Med, 32880633.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32880633/
Su TH, Chen CH, Chang KC, Hung CH, & Lu SN. (2019). Liver stiffness measurement predicts decompensation and mortality in patien… Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 30685325.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30685325/
Wai CT, Greenson JK, Fontana RJ, Kalbfleisch JD, Marrero JA, Conjeevaram HS, & Lok ASF. (2003). A simple noninvasive index can predict both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in… Hepatology, 12706527.
Q.
Are there still free COVID tests and how can I get one?
A.
Yes—free COVID-19 tests are still available: you can order at-home kits from covidtests.gov, get tests covered by most insurance and Medicare, and find no-cost testing at community clinics, Test-to-Treat sites, and some workplaces/schools. There are several factors to consider (eligibility, quantity limits, reimbursement steps, uninsured options, and when to re-test or seek treatment)—see the complete guidance below to choose the right next step.
References:
Scholz L, Hernández M, & Bauer T. (2022). Accuracy and usability of antigen test-based self-testing for SARS-CoV-2: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Rev, 35685802.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35685802/
Lefferts B, Gable M, & Williamson EJ. (2022). Impact of the US federal COVID-19 Test-to-Treat program on access to free at-home SARS-CoV-2 tests. Lancet Public Health, 36383936.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36383936/
Foucher J, Chantillon C, & Daire JL. (2006). Prospective comparison of transient elastography, FibroTest… Hepatology, 17081835.
Q.
How can I tell if my rash is a "COVID rash"?
A.
There are several factors to consider: COVID-19 rashes can appear as measles-like red spots, hives, small blisters, chilblain-like “COVID toes,” or lace-like discoloration, often just before, during, or shortly after other symptoms (fever, cough, loss of smell); clues include toe/finger lesions without cold exposure, intense itch, painful vesicles, and rashes lasting 1–3 weeks. If you suspect this, note other symptoms, use a symptom checker, get tested and isolate, and seek urgent care for red flags like trouble breathing, chest pain, or widespread blistering—key differentiators from allergies/drug reactions and practical treatment/next steps are detailed below.
References:
Daneshgaran G, Dubin DP, & Gould DJ. (2020). Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Pathol, 32898457.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898457/
Galván-Casas C, Català A, Carretero Hernández G, et al. (2020). Classification of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19: a rapid… Br J Dermatol, 32406366.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32406366/
Kamath PS, & Wiesner RH. (2001). A model to predict survival in patients with end-stage liver disease. Hepatology, 11157951.
Q.
What are the CDC's current recommendations for COVID isolation?
A.
CDC recommends isolating for at least 5 days after symptom onset or a positive test (Day 0 is the day symptoms start/test), ending after day 5 only if you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving; keep masking around others through day 10 (asymptomatic isolate 5 days; severe illness or weakened immunity may need 10+ days). There are several factors to consider—who needs to isolate (including some close contacts), optional test-based clearance, avoiding high‑risk settings until day 11, and what to do if symptoms return—see below for important details that could change your next steps.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Response Team. (2020). Interim guidance on duration of isolation and precautions for… MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 33301445.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33301445/
Cevik M, Tate M, Lloyd O, Maraolo AE, Schafers J, & Ho A. (2021). SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV viral load dynamics, duration… Lancet Microbe, 33428863.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33428863/
Friedrich-Rust M, Ong MF, Martens S, Sarrazin C, Bojunga J, Zeuzem S, & Herrmann E. (2008). Performance of transient elastography for staging of liver… Gastroenterology, 18242253.
Q.
What are the most common COVID symptoms in kids right now?
A.
Most common COVID symptoms in kids are fever and cough, plus runny or congested nose, sore throat, fatigue, and headache; many cases are mild, but some children also have gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and loss of taste or smell is less common. There are several factors to consider—see below for age-specific patterns, red flags (breathing trouble, dehydration, persistent high fever, MIS-C), and clear guidance on when to test, isolate, manage at home, or seek urgent care.
References:
Dong Y, Mo X, Hu Y, et al. (2020). Epidemiology of COVID-19 among children in China. Pediatrics, 32045570.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32045570/
Ludvigsson JF. (2020). Systematic review of COVID-19 in children shows milder cases and a better prognosis tha… Acta Paediatr, 32202343.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32202343/
D'Amico G, Garcia-Tsao G, Pagliaro L. (2006). Natural history and prognostic indicators of survival in cirrhosis: a systematic… Hepatology, 16879824.
Q.
What are the symptoms of the new COVID variant?
A.
Most infections with the latest Omicron-derived subvariants look like a bad cold: runny or congested nose, sore throat, headache, mild cough, fatigue, sneezing, and body aches; fever and loss of taste/smell are less common but can still occur. There are several factors to consider—including less common symptoms (like GI upset or chest tightness), who’s at higher risk, when to seek urgent care, and what to do next (testing and isolation); see the complete details and next-step guidance below.
References:
Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, & Qin Q. (2022). Unique epidemiological and clinical features of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: Omicron and Delta… J Med Virol, 35217044.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35217044/
D'Amico G, Garcia-Tsao G, & Pagliaro L. (2006). Natural history and prognostic indicators of survival in cirrhosis: a systematic… Hepatology, 16826126.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16826126/
Tsochatzis EA, Bosch J, & Burroughs AK. (2014). Liver cirrhosis… Lancet, 24765203.
Q.
What COVID vaccine reactions can I expect if I get the shot?
A.
Most people have mild, short-lived reactions after a COVID-19 shot—sore arm, fatigue, headache, muscle/joint aches, chills, or low‑grade fever—starting within 12–24 hours and resolving in 1–3 days (often stronger after second or booster doses). Serious side effects are rare but include severe allergy, myocarditis/pericarditis, or rare clotting events; seek urgent care for chest pain, trouble breathing, hives/swelling, severe headache, leg swelling, or persistent/worsening symptoms. There are several factors to consider—see the complete guidance below for who tends to react more, how to manage symptoms, when to call a doctor or use a symptom checker, and how to report side effects.
References:
Polack FP, & Thomas SJ. (2020). Safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine. N Engl J Med, 33301246.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33301246/
Menni C, & Klaser K. (2021). Vaccine side-effects and SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination in… Lancet Infect Dis, 33783959.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33783959/
Simón‐Talero M, & Rodríguez‐Tajes S. (2018). Incidence and predictors of decompensation in patients with… J Hepatol, 29907237.
Q.
What should you take for COVID when symptoms start?
A.
Start treatment early—ideally within 5 days—with antivirals if you’re higher risk (older age, chronic conditions, or immunocompromise): Paxlovid is preferred, or molnupiravir if Paxlovid isn’t suitable; for symptom relief use acetaminophen/ibuprofen, cough lozenges or syrups, decongestants, fluids, and rest. There are several factors to consider—drug interactions (especially with Paxlovid), pregnancy, kidney/liver problems, and red‑flag symptoms—see the detailed guidance below. Confirm it’s COVID, contact your clinician promptly to review eligibility and dosing, and follow the isolation/masking and monitoring steps outlined below.
References:
Hammond J, Leister-Tebbe H, Gardner A, et al. (2022). Oral nirmatrelvir for high-risk, nonhospitalized adults with COVID-19… N Engl J Med, 35445955.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35445955/
Jayk Bernal A, Gomes da Silva MM, Musungaie DB, et al. (2022). Molnupiravir for oral treatment of COVID-19 in nonhospitalized patients… N Engl J Med, 35037509.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35037509/
Castera L, Forns X, Alberti A. (2008). Non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis using transient elastography… Hepatology, 18314403.
Q.
Why do some people get a rash after the COVID vaccine and when is it serious?
A.
Rashes after COVID vaccines are uncommon (well under 1%) and usually mild—most stem from normal immune activation, such as immediate histamine-driven hives or a delayed T‑cell reaction like “COVID arm”—and resolve in days to weeks with simple care. It’s serious if there are signs of anaphylaxis within minutes (trouble breathing, facial/lip swelling), rapid spread with fever, blisters/peeling or mouth/eye/genital sores, or if it lasts >2–3 weeks—seek urgent care in these cases. There are several factors to consider, including timing and appearance; see the complete guidance below for key details that can affect your next steps and whether home care or a clinician visit is best.
References:
McMahon DE, & Amerson E. (2021). Cutaneous reactions reported after Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination: a registry-based study of 414 cases… J Am Acad Dermatol, 33831938.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33831938/
Castera L, & Foucher J. (2005). Prospective comparison of transient elastography, FibroTest, APRI, and liver biopsy for the assessment … Gastroenterology, 15610776.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15610776/
European Association for the Study of the Liver & Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado. (2015). EASL-ALEH clinical practice guidelines: non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis… Journal of Hepatology, 25667711.
Q.
COVID-19 Incubation: How Long After Exposure Could You Be Contagious?
A.
Covid-19 Symptoms typically develop within 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
References:
Lauer SA, Grantz KH, Bi Q, Jones FK, Zheng Q, Meredith HR, Azman AS, Reich NG, Lessler J. The Incubation Period of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) From Publicly Reported Confirmed Cases: Estimation and Application. Ann Intern Med. 2020 May 5;172(9):577-582. doi: 10.7326/M20-0504. Epub 2020 Mar 10. PMID: 32150748; PMCID: PMC7081172.
Q.
How many days does fever last after COVID-19 infection?
A.
Following COVID infection, it is common for a fever of 38℃/100.4°F or higher to last for anywhere from 2-10 days.
References:
Tavakolifard N, Moeini M, Haddadpoor A, Heidari K, Rezaee M, Amini Z. Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 and Their Association with Disease Outcome. Adv Biomed Res. 2022 Jan 31;11:2. doi: 10.4103/abr.abr_79_21. PMID: 35284355; PMCID: PMC8906090.
Q.
Can COVID-19 cause pain below the breastbone?
A.
Yes, COVID-19 can cause pain below the breastbone (sternum), which may be related to several factors associated with the virus and its effects on the body.
References:
Becker RC. Evaluating chest pain in patients with post COVID conditions permission to think outside of the box. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2023 May;55(4):592-603. doi: 10.1007/s11239-023-02808-8. Epub 2023 Apr 13. PMID: 37052772; PMCID: PMC10098243.
Sinkeldam M, Buenen AG, Celiker E, van Diepen M, de Vos AM. Characteristics of chest pain in COVID-19 patients in the emergency department. Neth Heart J. 2022 Nov;30(11):526-532. doi: 10.1007/s12471-022-01730-7. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36269453; PMCID: PMC9589604.
Q.
Is diarrhea a common symptom of COVID-19?
A.
Yes, diarrhea is a recognized symptom of COVID-19, although it is less common than respiratory symptoms. It can occur in some patients and may be associated with the severity of the infection.
References:
Friedel DM, Cappell MS. Diarrhea and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;52(1):59-75. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.11.001. Epub 2022 Nov 14. PMID: 36813431; PMCID: PMC9659511.
D'Amico F, Baumgart DC, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Diarrhea During COVID-19 Infection: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Jul;18(8):1663-1672. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 Apr 8. PMID: 32278065; PMCID: PMC7141637.
Megyeri K, Dernovics Á, Al-Luhaibi ZII, Rosztóczy A. COVID-19-associated diarrhea. World J Gastroenterol. 2021 Jun 21;27(23):3208-3222. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i23.3208. PMID: 34163106; PMCID: PMC8218355.
Q.
What are the first symptoms of COVID?
A.
Early symptoms of COVID infection often include fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and headache.
References:
da Rosa Mesquita R, Francelino Silva Junior LC, Santos Santana FM, Farias de Oliveira T, Campos Alcântara R, Monteiro Arnozo G, Rodrigues da Silva Filho E, Galdino Dos Santos AG, Oliveira da Cunha EJ, Salgueiro de Aquino SH, Freire de Souza CD. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in the general population: systematic review. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2021 Apr;133(7-8):377-382. doi: 10.1007/s00508-020-01760-4. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33242148; PMCID: PMC7689634.
Tavakolifard N, Moeini M, Haddadpoor A, Heidari K, Rezaee M, Amini Z. Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 and Their Association with Disease Outcome. Adv Biomed Res. 2022 Jan 31;11:2. doi: 10.4103/abr.abr_79_21. PMID: 35284355; PMCID: PMC8906090.
Baj J, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H, Teresiński G, Buszewicz G, Ciesielka M, Sitarz R, Forma A, Karakuła K, Flieger W, Portincasa P, Maciejewski R. COVID-19: Specific and Non-Specific Clinical Manifestations and Symptoms: The Current State of Knowledge. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 5;9(6):1753. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061753. PMID: 32516940; PMCID: PMC7356953.
Q.
What are the post-COVID-19 symptoms of "shortness of breath"?
A.
Post-COVID-19 symptoms of "shortness of breath" can persist for weeks or months after recovery from the initial infection. These symptoms may vary in severity and can be caused by a range of factors, including lung damage, anxiety, and other respiratory issues.
References:
Grewal JS, Carlsten C, Johnston JC, Shah AS, Wong AW, Ryerson CJ. Post-COVID dyspnea: prevalence, predictors, and outcomes in a longitudinal, prospective cohort. BMC Pulm Med. 2023 Mar 13;23(1):84. doi: 10.1186/s12890-023-02376-w. PMID: 36907855; PMCID: PMC10008721.
Abou-Elsaad T, Saad M, Zayed AM, Farahat M, Mesallam TA, Malki KH. Persistent Shortness of Breath in Post-COVID-19 Patients: Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction Can Be a Cause. J Voice. 2024 Feb 22:S0892-1997(24)00017-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.01.018. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38395655.
Daines L, Zheng B, Elneima O, Harrison E, Lone NI, Hurst JR, Brown JS, Sapey E, Chalmers JD, Quint JK, Pfeffer P, Siddiqui S, Walker S, Poinasamy K, McAuley H, Sereno M, Shikotra A, Singapuri A, Docherty AB, Marks M, Toshner M, Howard LS, Horsley A, Jenkins G, Porter JC, Ho LP, Raman B, Wain LV, Brightling CE, Evans RA, Heaney LG, De Soyza A, Sheikh A. Characteristics and risk factors for post-COVID-19 breathlessness after hospitalisation for COVID-19. ERJ Open Res. 2023 Feb 20;9(1):00274-2022. doi: 10.1183/23120541.00274-2022. PMID: 36820079; PMCID: PMC9790090.
Q.
What are the symptoms of a persistent cough and phlegm after COVID-19?
A.
After recovering from COVID-19, some individuals may experience a persistent cough and phlegm production, which can be part of a condition often referred to as "long COVID" or post-COVID syndrome. The symptoms can vary in severity and duration, and understanding them can help in managing the condition effectively.
References:
Kang YR, Huh JY, Oh JY, Lee JH, Lee D, Kwon HS, Kim TB, Choi JC, Cho YS, Chung KF, Park SY, Song WJ. Clinical Characteristics of Post-COVID-19 Persistent Cough in the Omicron Era. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2023 May;15(3):395-405. doi: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.3.395. Epub 2023 Apr 7. PMID: 37075801; PMCID: PMC10186121.
Watase M, Miyata J, Terai H, Sunata K, Matsuyama E, Asakura T, Namkoong H, Masaki K, Yagi K, Ohgino K, Chubachi S, Kawada I, Mochimaru T, Satomi R, Oyamada Y, Kobayashi K, Hirano T, Inoue T, Lee H, Sugihara K, Omori N, Sayama K, Mashimo S, Makino Y, Kaido T, Ishii M, Fukunaga K. Cough and sputum in long COVID are associated with severe acute COVID-19: a Japanese cohort study. Respir Res. 2023 Nov 14;24(1):283. doi: 10.1186/s12931-023-02591-3. PMID: 37964338; PMCID: PMC10648313.
García-Vicente P, Rodríguez-Valiente A, Górriz Gil C, Márquez Altemir R, Martínez-Pérez F, López-Pajaro LF, García-Berrocal JR. Chronic cough in post-COVID syndrome: Laryngeal electromyography findings in vagus nerve neuropathy. PLoS One. 2023 Mar 30;18(3):e0283758. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283758. PMID: 36996121; PMCID: PMC10062549.
Q.
What are the symptoms of fever post-COVID?
A.
Post-COVID, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms, including fever. This condition, often referred to as "long COVID," can present with a variety of symptoms that may persist for weeks or months after the initial infection.
References:
Aiyegbusi OL, Hughes SE, Turner G, Rivera SC, McMullan C, Chandan JS, Haroon S, Price G, Davies EH, Nirantharakumar K, Sapey E, Calvert MJ; TLC Study Group. Symptoms, complications and management of long COVID: a review. J R Soc Med. 2021 Sep;114(9):428-442. doi: 10.1177/01410768211032850. Epub 2021 Jul 15. PMID: 34265229; PMCID: PMC8450986.
Tan S, Pryor AJG, Melville GW, Fischer O, Hewitt L, Davis KJ. The lingering symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition (long-COVID): a prospective cohort study. Intern Med J. 2024 Feb;54(2):224-233. doi: 10.1111/imj.16251. Epub 2023 Nov 26. PMID: 38008902.
Davis HE, McCorkell L, Vogel JM, Topol EJ. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2023 Mar;21(3):133-146. doi: 10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2. Epub 2023 Jan 13. Erratum in: Nat Rev Microbiol. 2023 Jun;21(6):408. doi: 10.1038/s41579-023-00896-0. PMID: 36639608; PMCID: PMC9839201.
Q.
What should I do if I have COVID? Can I go out while recovering?
A.
If you have COVID-19, it is important to follow specific guidelines to protect yourself and others. You should stay at home and avoid going out while you are recovering to prevent the spread of the virus.
References:
“COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Q.
When should I see a doctor for COVID?
A.
If you have COVID, you should seek medical attention when experiencing severe symptoms like trouble breathing, trouble maintaining consciousness, or concerns for dehydration. You should also seek medical attention for COVID if you fall into a group at high risk for severe COVID illness so you can discuss antiviral treatment.
References:
Bhargava A, Fukushima EA, Levine M, Zhao W, Tanveer F, Szpunar SM, Saravolatz L. Predictors for Severe COVID-19 Infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Nov 5;71(8):1962-1968. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa674. PMID: 32472676; PMCID: PMC7314166.
Cascella M, Rajnik M, Aleem A, Dulebohn SC, Di Napoli R. Features, Evaluation, and Treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19). 2023 Aug 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 32150360.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Singhal, T. (2020). A review of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The Indian Journal of Pediatrics.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12098-020-03263-6He, F., Deng, Y., & Li, W. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019: What we know? Journal of Medical Virology.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jmv.25766Zu, Z. Y., Jiang, M. D., Xu, P. P., Chen, W., Ni, Q. Q., Lu, G. M., & ... (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a perspective from China. Radiology.
https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/radiol.2020200490