Symptoms and testing
Do the COVID-19 variants in South Africa have different symptoms?
The most common reported symptoms for all COVID-19 variants are the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches
- Muscle and body pains
- Shaking
- Chills
- Loss of taste or smell
Some people may also present with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting or gastroenteritis, but these are less common. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.
How long after I have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 can I spread the virus?
Symptoms usually start four or five days after a person has been infected with the virus. In some cases it can take up to two weeks before symptoms appear.
If you suspect that you may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please do the following:
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully unvaccinated, get tested immediately – even if you don’t have any symptoms. If your test result is negative, get tested again immediately if you develop symptoms. If the test result is positive, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days.
- If you are fully vaccinated and become infected, you risk spreading the virus to others. Get tested immediately if you display symptoms. If your result is positive, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days.
For how long will I be contagious if I test positive?
In general, most people are no longer contagious 10 to 14 days after their symptoms have started. This will, however, depend on factors such as the severity of the infection and the symptoms they continue to experience. Please discuss this with your doctor if you are uncertain.
When is the illness at its worst?
If your illness is mild, you may have symptoms such as fever and a cough, but no trouble breathing. Most people are only mildly ill and can recuperate at home. This usually takes about two weeks, but it may differ from one person to the next.
If your illness is more severe and coupled with trouble breathing, you may need to be admitted to hospital, possibly to the intensive care unit. There, doctors and nurses can monitor and support your breathing and you may need oxygen or even a ventilator to help you breathe easily.
- People who are 65 years and older.
- People of all ages with underlying medical illnesses. These include people with:
- a chronic lung disease or asthma;
- serious heart conditions;
- a condition that suppresses the immune system such as those receiving cancer treatment;
- diabetes;
- chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; and
- liver disease
If you are worried that you might be infected with the COVID-19 virus, go for a screening as soon as possible.
Phone your local doctor or clinic. They will tell you where to go to be screened for the virus. If you need to go to a doctor’s rooms, clinic or hospital, inform them beforehand of your visit. If you need to be tested after you’ve been screened for the virus, the healthcare provider will refer you.
Read more about the difference between screening and testing, and what to expect, in our HealthyInfo.
Use Medihelp’s online provider search functionality to find a doctor or hospital in your area.
Remember:
- Always wear a face mask and avoid personal contact with other people.
- Inform everyone with whom you have been in contact that you are displaying symptoms of the virus.
- Isolate yourself as a precautionary measure while awaiting the test results and ensure that your symptoms are monitored.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, and practise good hand hygiene.
- Avoid sharing personal household items with other people.
- Clean all frequently touched surfaces regularly.
