Introduction
COVID-19 has been a major health concern for the world since it first appeared in late 2019. As the virus continues to spread, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the virus. Johns Hopkins has compiled a list of signs that may indicate you have already had COVID-19. This article will discuss the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 according to Johns Hopkins and provide tips on how to stay safe and healthy.
Signs You’ve Already Had COVID, According to Johns Hopkins
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been a major health concern for the past year. While the virus has been known to cause a wide range of symptoms, it can also be difficult to determine if you’ve already had it. Fortunately, Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified some common signs that may indicate you’ve already had the virus.
Fever
One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is a fever. According to Johns Hopkins, a fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. If you’ve had a fever in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
Cough
Another common symptom of COVID-19 is a cough. This can range from a dry cough to a wet, productive cough. If you’ve had a cough in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another common symptom of COVID-19. If you’ve been feeling short of breath or having difficulty breathing, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of COVID-19. If you’ve been feeling unusually tired or fatigued, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
Loss of Taste or Smell
Loss of taste or smell is another common symptom of COVID-19. If you’ve noticed a decrease in your ability to taste or smell, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches are another common symptom of COVID-19. If you’ve been experiencing muscle aches or pains, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
Headache
Headache is another common symptom of COVID-19. If you’ve been experiencing a headache, it may be a sign that you’ve already had the virus.
If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. While these symptoms may indicate that you’ve already had the virus, it’s important to get tested to confirm the diagnosis.
From the beginning of the pandemic, one of the most-watched resources on COVID-19 was the coronavirus dashboard maintained by Johns Hopkins, which tracked the rise in cases as the virus spread across the country. Researchers at the institution are now studying “long COVID,” or lingering signs of the illness, and a study published this week shed some light on one of the most common and strange. These are some of the signs you might experience with long COVID, according to Johns Hopkins doctors. 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.
Early in the pandemic, one of the most notable symptoms of COVID-19 was loss of smell. Some people found this lingered even after the virus had technically cleared their bodies. According to a study released Monday, Johns Hopkins researchers say they may have figured out what causes the phenomenon: Inflammation caused by the virus, not the virus itself, seems to damage nerves in the olfactory bulb at the base of the brain, preventing the brain from receiving signals about smells. The good news: Most people who develop the symptom seem to recover it within three to four weeks.
A COVID infection of any level of severity can lead to long-term breathing changes. “A bad case of COVID-19 can produce scarring and other permanent problems in the lungs, but even mild infections can cause persistent shortness of breath — getting winded easily after even light exertion,” say the experts at Johns Hopkins.
“One study showed that 60% of people who recovered from COVID-19 had signs of ongoing heart inflammation, which could lead to the common symptoms of shortness of breath, palpitations and rapid heartbeat,” says Johns Hopkins. “This inflammation appeared even in those who had had a mild case of COVID-19 and who had no medical issues before they got sick.”
“Some individuals develop medium to long-term symptoms following COVID infection, including brain fog, fatigue, headaches and dizziness,” said neurologist Arun Venkatesan, MD, Ph.D. Researchers don’t know why but are trying to find out.
If you’ve had COVID, you might experience mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. “Physical changes such as pain and weakness can be complicated by long periods of isolation, stress from job loss and financial difficulties, and grief from the deaths of loved ones and the loss of good health,” notes Johns Hopkins.
Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Michael Martin