COVID is unusual - different people are affected in very different ways. The virus often causes a cough, fever or changes to the senses of smell or taste. Others experience stomach problems, diarrhoea, or skin rashes.

Many people don’t develop any symptoms, but can still spread it to other people (they are ‘asymptomatic’). This is why COVID spread so easily.

In severe cases, COVID can create problems with breathing, and multi-organ failure, leading to death. Older people and other vulnerable groups, including the elderly and pregnant women, are at greatest risk of dying.

Children can become infected by COVID, but most usually don't become as sick as adults. Some might not show any symptoms at all. (Schools are a key way the virus has spread.)

Some people seem to have longer lasting symptoms. This needs more research, but they report problems with breathing, muscle weakness, mental health, and other symptoms.

Extra Resources

How COVID-19 Spreads US CDC (July 2021 )

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How is it transmitted? WHO (Dec 2020)