Introduction
If you’ve been exposed to the novel coronavirus, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of a COVID infection. Knowing the symptoms can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common early signs of a COVID infection and provide tips on how to stay healthy and safe. We’ll also provide some helpful advice on what to eat and what to avoid if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
Early Signs You Have a COVID Infection
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that has spread rapidly across the world. It is important to be aware of the early signs of infection so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you. Here are some of the most common early signs of a COVID infection.
Fever
One of the most common early signs of a COVID infection is a fever. A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If you experience a fever, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Cough
Another common early sign of a COVID infection is a cough. A cough is a symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. If you experience a cough, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another common early sign of a COVID infection. If you experience shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common early sign of a COVID infection. If you experience fatigue, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Eat This, Not That
If you think you may have a COVID infection, it is important to take care of your body by eating healthy foods. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help boost your immune system and help you fight off the virus. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fat.
Reports of rising caseloads and travel restrictions, reminders to mask up—the COVID-19 pandemic may seem frustratingly like more of the same. But the face of COVID is changing. Not only is the Delta variant much more contagious, it also seems to be producing slightly different initial symptoms—and the Omicron variant is here, too. Those are important to know, even if you’ve been vaccinated, because the virus can produce breakthrough infections. If you experience any of these symptoms, get a COVID test and call your doctor for advice. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
The Delta variant is increasingly showing up with a symptom that hasn’t been seen before with COVID-19: earaches, several doctors told WFLA 8 in Tampa, Florida, last week. Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel said an earache was one of two prominent symptoms that caused him to seek a COVID test, which came back positive.
The second symptom Vrabel suffered was a sore throat, which is also increasingly seen with the Delta variant. “The reason we are seeing earaches more often is because sore throat is so prominent [with Delta variant], and the earache is coming from [the] sore throat,” Dr. Nicole Frommann, medical director for TGH Urgent Care in Florida, told WFLA.
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For months, researchers with the Covid Symptom Study have been tracking the symptoms of new COVID cases through an app. They, too, have noticed that the signs of Delta are different than those associated with the original strain. “The symptoms we are seeing now are much more commonly identified with the common cold,” Dr. Andrew T. Chan, an epidemiologist and one of the study’s lead investigators, in The New York Times. “We are still seeing people presenting with a cough, but we are also seeing a higher prevalence of things like runny nose and sneezing.”
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The COVID Symptom Study is tracking new cases among three groups of people: The unvaccinated, the fully vaccinated, and those who’ve had one vaccine dose. All three groups now report that their most common symptom is headache. That’s a change from the pandemic’s early days, when people most commonly reported a cough, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste. Researchers say loss of smell, in particular, seems to be less common with Delta.
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A persistent cough was the fifth-most-reported symptom among the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated in the COVID Symptom Study. But coughing only ranked #8 among the fully vaccinated—possible evidence that another previous hallmark symptom is becoming less common. Also sliding down the list: Shortness of breath and fever, which are much less frequently reported now than in the pandemic’s first waves.
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Call a doctor or get tested if you experience any of the symptoms you just read about or any of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea