With much of the media coverage left COVID-19 Since the acute symptoms are predominant and the immediate concern is about loss of life, it is important to remember that many patients survive the first few weeks. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), nearly 100 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide this week, and about two million people have died. This is a reason to worry and keep the necessary restrictions in place, but it also proves that almost 98 million people have recovered. Countless more individuals may have had COVID-19 without being tested or without symptoms. Whether or not you have had a confirmed positive test, these are the symptoms that are most common if you have had COVID-19. Read on – and do not miss it to ensure your health and the health of others Sure signs that you already have a Coronavirus.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of the acute phase of COVID-19, but it is also one of the most common symptoms in the long term. Although research continues, many report for the long-term keepers (those infected with COVID-19 and experiencing long-term symptoms) severe fatigue that interferes with their daily lives. This can cause people to not be able to return to their normal activities. Treatment options are limited at this stage, with limited data on the duration of these symptoms.
Many patients found that COVID-19 caused severe respiratory distress. Many patients develop this symptom early in the course of their infection. This is usually one of the most important symptoms associated with the cough in the acute condition, which causes patients to come to the Emergency Department shortly after the onset of symptoms. Even as patients recover from the acute COVID-19 infection, shortness of breath remains a major symptom. According to a study in The LancetAbout 25% of patients have shortness of breath which reduces their ability to walk normal distances. Although this study was done on patients who confirmed they had COVID-19, it is very likely that patients with similar shortness of breath or intolerance with new exercise also had COVID-19.
For many of the COVID-19 “long hauls” confusion or “brain fog” is a common symptom. According to a study from Chicago, 40% of patients with COVID-19 may have neurological symptoms. Although there are severe symptoms such as encephalitis (inflammation and direct infection of the brain tissue) or stroke, most patients had confusion and had an overall decrease in cognition. Even in patients recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, there may be a marked confusion or inattention. This is thought to be due to the inflammation that occurs with the COVID-19 virus, and the duration of this confusion is still unknown.
COVID-19 was very different from most viruses because loss of taste and smell was one of the most common and specific symptoms. Many patients experienced these symptoms before the onset of the rest of the COVID-19 symptoms. The worrying fact is that many patients report persistent symptoms months after their initial recovery. Scientists believe that the loss of taste is due to the damage of the cells that help to process odors in the upper part of the nose. This is a positive finding because it means that the sense of taste can return. Initially, the odor loss was thought to be due to direct damage to the neurons that transmit odor to the brain. If these cells were damaged, the loss of smell and taste could be more permanent.
Living through a pandemic can cause anxiety or depression in anyone. With the constant barrage of negative news, as well as the home orders in many municipalities, there is a definite concern that there will be an increase in mental health issues. What’s more important is that there is now preliminary evidence to suggest that COVID-19 actually causes inflammation in the brain that can cause anxiety and depression. No matter if it is caused by COVID-19 or because of the life completely affected by the pandemic, mental health issues should not be ignored. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your primary care physician or call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255.
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As more people are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the symptoms left behind will be better understood. Some symptoms are likely to be associated with a COVID-19 infection, even in individuals who may not have a confirmed COVID-19 test result. With the advent of the vaccines, the list of symptoms that persist will hopefully diminish as more and more individuals become immune to the COVID-19 infection.
In the meantime, follow Fauci’s basics and help end this pandemic – contribute a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, do not go indoors with people you do not shelter with (especially in pubs), practice good hand hygiene, be vaccinated if available to you and around your life and the lives of others, do not visit of this not 35 places you are likely to catch COVID.