The most common symptoms include fever, cough, breathing difficulties, sore throat, tiredness, and loss of sense of taste or smell. Some people may also experience muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It can also spread through touching surfaces contaminated by the virus and then touching your face.

The most reliable method for diagnosing COVID-19 is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that detects the genetic material of the virus. Antigen tests are also available and provide faster results, but may be less sensitive.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19, but many patients with mild cases recover with rest and supportive care. Severe cases may require hospitalization, oxygen therapy or other supportive treatments. Vaccines are available to reduce the risk of severe infection.

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, you may experience mild side effects such as arm pain, tiredness, low-grade fever or headache, which usually go away within a few days. These side effects are signs that your body is building immunity. If you have questions or experience persistent side effects, contact your doctor.