Introduction
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms associated with COVID-19. While some people may experience mild symptoms, others may experience more severe symptoms. Knowing the top COVID symptoms can help you identify if you or someone you know may have the virus. In this article, we’ll discuss the top COVID symptoms people notice first and how to best manage them. We’ll also provide tips on how to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.
Top COVID Symptoms People Notice First
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that has been spreading rapidly around the world. As the virus continues to spread, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that people may experience when they are infected. Here are the top COVID symptoms people notice first:
- Fever: A fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. People may experience a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- Cough: A dry cough is another common symptom of COVID-19. It may be accompanied by a sore throat.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath is a more serious symptom of COVID-19. It may be accompanied by chest pain.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom of COVID-19. People may feel tired and have difficulty concentrating.
- Loss of Taste or Smell: Loss of taste or smell is a less common symptom of COVID-19. People may experience a sudden loss of taste or smell.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. It is also important to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Eat This Not That
When it comes to eating to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to make healthy choices. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fat. Eating a healthy diet can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of getting sick.
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has dominated the news over the last week, but CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky noted that 99.9% of the 90,000 new cases a day are caused by the Delta variant. Research suggests that early COVID symptoms have changed slightly and may be confusing; it’s important that everyone know what they are—even if you’ve been vaccinated—to prevent further spread of the illness. These are the top Delta COVID symptoms people usually notice first. 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.
Experts from the COVID Symptom Study say Delta COVID symptoms seem to be different from previous strains, depending on your vaccination status. These are the most commonly reported initial symptoms of COVID, if you’ve been vaccinated:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Persistent cough
They’ve been likened to common cold symptoms and are usually mild.
If you haven’t been vaccinated, symptoms tend to be like those of earlier strains of COVID-19, including fever, a cough that can be severe, loss of taste or smell, in addition to headache, sore throat, and runny nose.
According to the CDC, the common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- 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
Yes, that’s a long list. Getting a headache or stuffy nose doesn’t automatically mean you have COVID-19. But if you’re experiencing any symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it’s a good idea to get tested for COVID as soon as possible—even if you’ve been fully vaccinated—and self-isolate until you know the results.
RELATED: 15 Supplements Every Woman Should Take, Say Doctors
“At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the main distinguishing symptoms of COVID-19 were thought to be fever, cough and loss of smell (anosmia), often known as the ‘classic three or triad’,” the COVID Symptom Study scientists say. “Many of the symptoms of COVID-19 are now the same as a regular cold, especially for people who have received two doses of the vaccine, making it hard to tell the difference.”
How to tell them apart? It can be tricky. The researchers say loss of smell is still a telltale COVID sign. But if you develop cold or flu symptoms, get tested to rule out COVID, and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.
RELATED: 6 Ways You’re Ruining Your Heart, Say Experts
Experts say the Delta COVID variant
- is much more transmissible than previous strains of the virus
- causes more severe disease
- tends to make people sicker, quicker
- is twice as likely to cause hospitalization than earlier strains of the virus.
Scientists are analyzing data on the Omicron variant to determine if it’s more severe than Delta; early reports say it has genetic similarities to the common cold and may be the most contagious variant of all.
What we know now: Getting vaccinated slashes your risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, and getting a booster shot exponentially increases the number of antibodies you have to fight COVID. The CDC now recommends that all adults get a booster shot.
RELATED: Studies Warn of These New Marijuana Side Effects
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.