What Are The Symptoms Of Coronavirus?

The WHO (World Health Organization) says that COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalisation. Since the symptoms are all over the place, and not at all consistent, we break it down for you. Here’s what you need to watch out for, ranging from the mild to the serious.

Fever

This is one of the clearer indications of Covid-19. The occurrence varies from person-to-person, but the general nature is one that starts off as low-grade, and gradually increases. Also, people don’t wake usually up with a fever but develop one during the course of the day. If your temperature fluctuates, persists for more than 2-3 days, and doesn’t go down with regular paracetamols, it could be time to get tested.

Dry Cough

Coughs are a regular part of most flu, but the telling feature of a cough that accompanies coronavirus is that it is a dry cough in at least 60 percent of the cases. But a wet cough – accompanied by phlegm and mucus – doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods either. About a third of patients infected with COVID-19 suffer from this as well, so watch out for any kind of cough – or cold – really! Sore throats are another indication of COVID-19, although not terribly common.

Aches & Pains

Muscular aches and pains are also part and parcel of dealing with coronavirus, with around 15 percent of the patients experiencing joint pains. This is primarily because the virus causes inflammation of the muscle tissue. The virus-related pain is very much like post-exercise muscle soreness, and so you have to be alert to watch out for it in the joint area and see if it is accompanied by any other symptoms. Another key symptom is a headache. What does it feel like? Just a regular headache – but severe, and doesn’t go away easily.

Conjunctivitis

If you’re suffering from pinkeye, and your eyes are consistently watering, it could be conjunctivitis – and then again it could be a symptom of coronavirus. Keep a check on how your eye is progressing, whether regularly prescribed eye drops are making a difference. Otherwise, it might be time to consult your doctor.

Loss Of Taste Or Smell

This is an early symptom that you’ve been infected with the coronavirus. Even in regular allergies and sinus problems, there could be a loss of taste and smell, so while it is an additional identifier, it isn’t entirely conclusive.

Nausea & Diarrhea

Around 3 – 5 percent of patients infected with COVID-19 suffer from nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, or both. Sometimes, these occur a few days prior to the more common symptoms like coughs, chills and fevers, so you’ll really need to be watchful of this.

Serious Symptoms

Sometimes, the symptoms are such that you will need emergency medical care. A COVID-19 test and gradual recovery in a regular isolation ward may not quite cut it. Foremost among these is shortness of breath. If you are unable to breathe properly, if you feel like you’re drowning or suffocating, if your lungs are gasping for air, you need to see a doctor immediately. On the skin, especially near the fingers and toes, there are rash eruptions in certain cases, with some people sporting angry red welts and others with purple lesions.