New Symptoms Of COVID-19

Introduction

Since the pandemic’s entry in December 2019 various disease control strategies have been 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.

• 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 a 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 eyes.

• 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 Are the New Symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 infection started in 2019, and since then, a lot of new symptoms have arisen apart from the classic ones. In 2023, as the cases of COVID-19 rise, individuals are reporting new symptoms. All these new symptoms are mentioned below

General Symptoms: These include fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and a loss of taste and smell. Although less common than traditional symptoms like fever and cough, they are still related to the same illness.

COVID-19 Symptoms in Children: In 2023, children with COVID-19 can exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in adults but also some new ones. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rashes are among the newly reported symptoms. It is important for parents to seek medical attention if their child is displaying any of these symptoms.

COVID-19 Symptoms in Pregnant Women: Pregnant women with COVID-19 may experience symptoms similar to those of non-pregnant individuals, but they may also have unique symptoms such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth. Getting medical help right away is important for both the mother and the baby if a woman is pregnant and has any of these symptoms, as the pandemic has not yet ended.

What Should a Person Do If They Have Any Symptoms?

If a person came in contact with an infected patient or have traveled, or experienced any of the symptoms, they must quarantine themselves. The following can be followed:

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

• If they are COVID-positive, they sholud isolate themselves.

• If a person experiances any difficulty in breathing, call the 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 infections are mild. Elderly people are more at risk of developing severe symptoms. The following can also make the people 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 the 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 the face, especially eyes, ears, or nose.

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

Maintain personal as well as environmental hygiene. Clean and disinfect the belongings.

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.