COVID-19 awareness test
Twelve quick questions to check what you know about COVID-19 and the respiratory viruses it is now grouped with (flu and RSV). Every answer is explained and linked to the public guidance it comes from. Nothing you answer is stored. This is education, not a diagnosis or a test for infection.
Emergency warning signs — if you or someone you are with has trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, cannot stay awake, or has pale, grey or blue lips or skin, call your local emergency number now (112 EU · 911 US · 999 UK · 000 AU).
Question 1 of 12Score: 0
Which of these are common symptoms of COVID-19?
Key facts in one place
- Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or fatigue.
- You can return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are improving overall and you have had no fever without using fever-reducing medicine.
- For the next 5 days take extra precautions: a well-fitting mask, distance, good hygiene, cleaner air, and testing before being around people at higher risk.
- If you get worse again, stay home and restart the 24-hour rule.
- Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 and flu works best when started within the first days of symptoms — people at higher risk should contact a clinician as soon as they test positive or fall ill.
- Vaccination remains the main protection against severe illness; who should get which vaccine and when varies by country and by age and health, so check your national guidance.
Free resources
- CDC — Respiratory virus guidance (COVID-19, flu, RSV)What to do when sick, prevention, who is at higher risk.
- CDC — Preventing spread when you're sickThe 24-hour rule and the 5 days of added precautions.
- WHO — Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)Global fact sheets, symptoms, vaccines, and country guidance.
- WHO — Influenza (seasonal)Flu symptoms, prevention, and who should be vaccinated.
- CDC — RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)RSV in infants, older adults, and prevention options.
- CDC — Testing for COVID-19When to test and what results mean.
- CDC — COVID-19 treatmentAntiviral treatment works best when started early — ask a clinician promptly.
- Find a clinic or vaccine near youUS locator for vaccines; outside the US, use your national health service website.
Content based on CDC respiratory-virus guidance (reviewed August 2025) and WHO COVID-19 materials. Guidance changes; the linked pages are the authority, not this summary. Educational information only — not medical advice.