Overview
COVID-19 symptoms in current variants often resemble a bad cold or flu: sore throat, congestion, cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Loss of taste and smell — once nearly universal — is now less common. Most adults recover in 5–10 days.
Symptoms to watch for
- Sore throat, congestion, runny nose
- Cough, sometimes with chest tightness
- Fatigue and body aches
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell (less common in newer variants)
What else could this be?
- Flu — more abrupt fever and body aches
- RSV — more wheezing
- Common cold — no fever, milder
- Strep — sore throat dominant, no cough
How it's diagnosed
Home rapid antigen tests are widely available and accurate when symptoms are present. PCR is more sensitive if you need a definitive result (e.g., for Paxlovid eligibility close to the 5-day window).
Treatment
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) reduces hospitalization risk in high-risk patients when started within 5 days of symptom onset. Otherwise: rest, fluids, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Isolate at least 5 days and until fever-free 24 hours.
When to book a visit
Book same-day if you're over 50, immunocompromised, pregnant, or have diabetes/heart/lung disease — Paxlovid is time-sensitive.
Book online todayFrequently asked
How long is COVID contagious?
Most people are contagious 1–2 days before symptoms through about 5 days after. Isolate 5 days minimum and until fever-free 24 hours without medication.
Can Clindle prescribe Paxlovid?
Yes — a licensed clinician can assess eligibility and prescribe Paxlovid during a same-day video visit when you're within the 5-day window.
Do I still need to test?
Yes if you want antivirals, to protect high-risk contacts, or to confirm return-to-work. Home antigen tests are sufficient for most decisions.