New Symptoms Of COVID-19

Introduction

Since the pandemic’s entry in December 2019 various disease control strategies are being formulated and followed from time to time. Though they seem to bring the situation under control viral mutations and the advent of newer variants are continuously challenging global health. The causative organism was Coronavirus which affected the nose, sinuses, or upper throat during the first wave. But, soon, there were double and triple mutant types of this virus that again started affecting human beings. This brought a change or addition to the symptoms being experienced by the patients. This infection can spread from one individual to another through aerosols or direct contact, which makes it more communicable.

A study was done in China, which initially revealed that there are two strains of virus named L and S. The S type was older, but the outbreak showed involvement of L strain. As any virus has the potential to mutate itself, this virus has also shown double, triple mutations.

It is practically not possible to tell the exact period for the existence of this pandemic, so to control the spread of this infection, a team effort is necessary.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

As the virus infects the respiratory system predominantly, the following signs and symptoms may be experienced by the patient. It has to be remembered that individuals may be asymptomatic too.

The main symptoms are as follows:

• Fever.

• Cough.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Shortness of breath.

• Fatigue or tiredness.

• Presence of chills (sometimes it can be associated with shaking).

• Body pain.

• Headache.

• Sore throat.

• Congestion or runny nose.

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• There can be a loss of taste or smell.

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

Apart from these, the virus can progress and cause respiratory failure, pneumonia, heart disorders, liver disorders, septic shock, and ultimately death. It is necessary to seek medical advice and help if the following symptoms are being experienced:

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Shortness of breath.

• Presence of chest pressure or continuous chest pain.

• Inability to wake up completely.

• Presence of any new confusion.

• Bluish discoloration of face and lips.

Also, keep a note of strokes as some COVID-19 patients have also reported strokes. In stroke, there are changes in the face, arms, and speech. With the mutation of the virus, some new symptoms are being faced by the patients recently like,

• Blurred eye.

• Tingling in the hands.

• Itchiness in the body.

• Increase in blood pressure.

• Also, patients are asymptomatic.

The symptoms can be experienced as early as two days or even 14 days. Also, for the new diagnostic tests, apart from RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), the CT (computed tomography), scan value is important. A CT scan value equal to or less than 35 indicates COVID-19 positive. If the CT scan value falls below 22, then it indicates that the patient requires immediate hospitalization. Some hospitalized COVID-19 patients have shown the presence of dangerous blood clots in lungs, legs, arteries, etc.

What Should You Do If You Have Any Symptoms?

If you came in contact with an infected patient or have traveled, or experienced any of the symptoms, quarantine yourself. The following can be followed:

• The best method is to quarantine yourself for at least two weeks.

• If you are COVID-positive, isolate yourself.

• If you have any difficulty in breathing, call your doctor and follow their advice.

Is COVID-19 Severe Than Flu?

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 both affect the respiratory system and are contagious, but the causative viruses are different. Flu is caused by the influenza virus. Talking about spread, COVID-19 spreads more rapidly than flu.

The symptoms can mimic flu, but there is a severe progression of the symptoms in some cases. Recent research shows that people affected by COVID show increased levels of immunity after the infection. However, the immune mechanisms are not fully described yet.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Anyone is prone to contract it, and most of the infections are mild. Elderly people are more at risk of developing severe symptoms. The following can also make you more prone to develop it:

• Kidney disorders for longer periods.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Obesity.

• Organ transplanted patients.

• Sickle cell disease.

• Serious heart disorders like heart failure or coronary artery disease.

• Type 2 diabetes.

• Immunocompromised patients.

The following conditions can lead to severe COVID-19 illness:

• Cystic fibrosis.

• Increased blood pressure.

• Moderate to severe asthma.

• Disorders of blood vessels.

• Dementia.

• Pregnancy.

• Immunocompromised patients like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected patients, patients taking corticosteroids, organ transplanted patients, etc.

• Thalassemia.

• Liver disorders.

• Damaged or scarred lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis).

• Smoking.

• Type 1 diabetes.

In children and teens, doctors have observed an inflammatory condition called a multisystem inflammatory syndrome. It has been noticed in those children and teens who were hospitalized. It causes symptoms that mimic toxic shock and Kawasaki disease.

How Can It Be Prevented?

Get vaccinated. It is a major step toward prevention. Also, follow the following steps:

• Wash your hands regularly or sanitize them.

• It is important to follow social distancing.

• Wear a mask and protective eyewear, especially when in public.

• Do not touch your face, especially, eyes, ear, or nose.

• Whenever you sneeze or cough, use a tissue or sneeze into your bent elbow. Dispose of the used tissue safely.

Maintain personal as well as environmental hygiene. Clean and disinfect your belongings and yourself.

Conclusion:

Coronavirus causing COVID-19 has brought a huge change in our lives. Initially, it was represented with a few symptoms, and with its mutation, it is causing various other symptoms too. It is important to know about it to keep us and others safe. Also, this will help in early reporting, early measures, and a better prognosis. Online medical platforms provide a wonderful opportunity to contact a physician or specialist while maintaining all the COVID-19 norms. Hence, to know more about it, consult a specialist.