As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, with the number of global cases having reached one million, we’re beginning to learn how the virus can affect people differently.

There have now been 34,137 confirmed cases in the UK according to Johns Hopkins University, although many more people are believed to be infected, and 2,921 patients have died. 

There are asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical cases of the virus, but 80% of those who get Covid-19 experience a mild case – about as serious as a regular cold – and recover without needing any special treatment.

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What are mild symptoms of Covid-19?

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.

A high temperature will make you feel hot on your back or chest.

In children a high temperature is over 37.5°C; in adults a fever is usually when your body temperature is 37.8°C or higher, with any temperature above 39°C dangerously high.

If you have a new, continuous cough, you’ll be coughing a lot for more than every hour, or you’ll experience 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. It will be worse than a normal cough you might experience.

If you have a mild strain of coronavirus, the key symptom is a temperature, with or without a new cough, however if you begin to experience either you should self-isolate.

With milder versions of coronavirus, you will have flu-like symptoms, which might include a dry cough and a mild fever of no more than 37.8°C. You could also feel a bit more breathless than normal when exercising, as the virus mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and large airways.

You may also lose your sense of smell, and experience tiredness, muscle aches or a headache.

The WHO said: ‘These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.’

Symptoms typically seem to last for seven to 10 days, and you should stay at home and self-isolate for at least seven days if you begin to experience them.

The NHS recommends you keep isolating after seven days if your fever has not abated, but if just your cough remains after seven days, then you can go back to simply social-distancing.

You can access the dedicated coronavirus NHS 111 website for information.

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