Introduction
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a major health concern for the world since its emergence in late 2019. As the virus continues to spread, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection. In this article, we will discuss the top five signs that you may have already had COVID-19, according to a recent report. We will also discuss the importance of seeking medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. By understanding the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Top 5 Signs You’ve Already Had COVID, According to Report
As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus, many people are wondering if they have already had the virus and recovered without knowing it. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified five common signs that may indicate a person has already had COVID-19.
1. Fever
One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is a fever. A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If you have had a fever in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you have already had the virus.
2. Cough
A dry cough is another common symptom of COVID-19. If you have had a persistent cough in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you have already had the virus.
3. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another symptom of COVID-19. If you have been feeling short of breath or have had difficulty breathing in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you have already had the virus.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of COVID-19. If you have been feeling unusually tired or fatigued in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you have already had the virus.
5. Loss of Taste or Smell
Loss of taste or smell is another symptom of COVID-19. If you have noticed a decrease in your ability to taste or smell in the past few weeks, it may be a sign that you have already had the virus.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the past few weeks, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. It is also important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, so it is important to get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
You felt off final week and nonetheless really feel “not your self” and so might marvel: Was it COVID? Essentially the most accepted approach to inform for those who’ve had coronavirus is to get an antibody take a look at, even when they are not 100% appropriate. “Antibody testing doesn’t diagnose COVID-19, however these assessments can decide if a affected person might have antibodies in opposition to the virus that causes it,” says Cedars-Sinai. One other signal you will have had COVID is for those who’re affected by Publish-COVID Syndrome, which is leaving an estimated 10% or extra of COVID sufferers—dubbed “lengthy haulers”—with signs lengthy after the virus leaves the physique. Based on a survey of “long-haulers” performed by an Indiana College College of Drugs researcher and the grassroots help group Survivor Corps, launched earlier this 12 months, these are the highest 5 most typical signs. Learn on to see them ranked, ending with the very most typical, and to make sure your well being and the well being of others, do not miss the total listing of Certain Indicators You have Already Had Coronavirus.
916 of these surveyed reported this
Those that have Publish-COVID Syndrome might have lung scarring or a coronary heart challenge, which makes train unimaginable or harmful. Many Publish-COVID victims additionally expertise a soul-sucking fatigue (which is able to come up later on this piece) and what’s referred to as “post-exertional malaise.” “Publish-exertional malaise (PEM) is the worsening of signs following even minor bodily or psychological exertion, with signs usually worsening 12 to 48 hours after exercise and lasting for days and even weeks,” experiences the CDC. In different phrases, you may be capable of transfer round sooner or later, however you “pay for it”—with a migraine, or fatigue, or muscle pains—the day after.
924 of these surveyed reported this
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s high infectious illness skilled and the director of the Nationwide Institute of Allergy and Infectious Illnesses, has referred to as this “mind fog.” A brand new research in Nature Neuroscience exhibits the virus crosses “the blood-brain barrier.” “We all know that when you might have the COVID an infection you might have bother respiration and that is as a result of there’s an infection in your lung,” stated lead research creator William A. Banks, a professor of medication on the College of Washington College of Drugs and a Puget Sound Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, “however an extra clarification is that the virus enters the respiratory facilities of the mind and causes issues there as effectively.”
1,020 of these surveyed reported this
You could have bother climbing a flight of stairs, or get winded doing the dishes—or you will have one thing worse. Some “might expertise problems akin to pneumonia or acute respiratory misery syndrome (ARDS),” experiences Virtua Well being. “ARDS happens when fluid fills the lungs and prevents regular respiration, lowering the quantity of oxygen within the bloodstream and depriving organs of oxygen. Sufferers who expertise extreme signs normally require therapy within the intensive care unit (ICU). Though some sufferers might be able to obtain respiratory help utilizing high-flow oxygen, sufferers with ARDS usually should be on a ventilator for days or even weeks to assist them breathe.”
RELATED: COVID Signs Normally Seem in This Order, Research Finds
1,046 of these surveyed reported this
Dr. Fauci has stated “myalgia” is a standard aspect impact—and it was in actual fact the #2 most typical symptom of the long-haulers surveyed. Muscle ache can have an effect on “a small space or your entire physique, starting from gentle to excruciating,” experiences the Mayo Clinic. “Though most muscle aches and pains go away on their very own inside a short while, typically muscle ache can linger for months. Muscle ache can develop nearly anyplace in your physique, together with your neck, again, legs and even your fingers.”
1,567 of these surveyed reported this
Dr. Fauci stated Publish-COVID Syndrome can resemble Continual Fatigue Syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, the hallmark symptom of which is—you guessed it—a profound fatigue. Why the similarities? “Analysis is underway to check a number of theories. Folks with ME/CFS, and probably the post-COVID lengthy haulers, might have an ongoing low stage of irritation within the mind, or decreased blood movement to the mind, or an autoimmune situation through which the physique makes antibodies that assault the mind, or a number of of those abnormalities,” experiences Harvard Well being.
Along with those you have simply examine, the CDC additionally lists:
- Cough
- Joint ache
- Chest ache
- Despair
- Headache
- Intermittent fever
- Quick-beating or pounding coronary heart (often known as coronary heart palpitations)
…as signs of Publish-COVID Syndrome. Name your medical skilled for those who expertise any of them, and bear in mind: “The easiest way to stop these long-term problems is to stop COVID-19,” says the CDC. “The most effective methods for stopping COVID-19 an infection in youth and adults are to put on a masks in public locations, keep no less than 6 ft away from different folks, regularly wash your fingers, and keep away from crowds and confined or poorly ventilated areas.” And to guard your life and the lives of others, do not go to any of those 35 Locations You are Most Prone to Catch COVID.