COVID has taken the lives of 794,000 people in the United States to date, and as we learn more about the virus, one thing is clear: it affects people differently. Cough, fever, shortness of breath, and to a lesser extent, loss of taste/smell and loss of endurance are some of the symptoms that indicate you have COVID, according to Dr Justin Johnson, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care with Mercy Hospital. Other symptoms to be aware of are listed in the ZOE COVID Study, the world's most comprehensive COVID-19 study, and is led by Professor Tim Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London. Read on to learn about COVID's most prevalent symptoms.
1. Headaches
According to the ZOE COVID Study, "While headaches are a lesser-known symptom of COVID-19, they are one of the first signs of the disease and are more prevalent than the 'classic' symptoms of cough, fever, and loss of smell (anosmia). It's important to realize that headaches are relatively frequent, especially because many of us spend so much of our time staring at screens. So, while many people with COVID-19 have headaches, the majority of people who have a headache do not have COVID-19. Researchers are trying to figure out how to distinguish between COVID and non-COVID headaches. COVID-19 headaches have been discovered to:
COVID-19 causes headaches for unknown reasons. The virus may be harming the brain directly. It could also be caused by illness, such as dehydration or hunger due to not eating and drinking usually."
2. Runny Nose
According to the ZOE COVID Study, "We discovered that, after headaches, a runny nose was the second most commonly reported symptom on the app during the last winter storm. A runny nose was reported by nearly 60% of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 with loss of smell. While many people with COVID-19 have a runny nose, it's more difficult to conclude that a runny nose is a specific symptom of COVID-19 because it's so frequent, especially in the winter."
3. Sneezing
Sneezing is more common in patients who have been vaccinated; according to the ZOE COVID Study, "Sneezing more than usual may be an indication of COVID-19, according to data from the ZOE COVID Study, but only in persons who have been vaccinated...
Sneezing is not typically a symptom of COVID-19 but rather a sign of a common cold or allergy. Even though many people with COVID-19 sneeze, this isn't a conclusive symptom because sneezing is so frequent, especially during the summer months when people may have hay fever."
4. Sore Throat
"A painful throat is a lesser-known symptom of COVID-19, but it is an early indicator of the disease and very common in children and adults up to the age of 65," according to the ZOE COVID Study. "People who have used the app have described experiencing a sore throat that is similar to that of a cold or laryngitis. Sore throats caused by COVID are usually mild and last no more than five days. If you have a severe sore throat that lasts longer than five days, it could be something else, such as a bacterial infection, so don't hesitate to see your doctor. Sore throats are frequent and can be caused by various respiratory disorders, including common colds. So, while many people with COVID-19 have sore throats, the majority of persons who have a sore throat do not have COVID-19."
5. Persistent Cough
According to the findings of the ZOE COVID Study, "Although a persistent cough is well recognized as one of the three 'classic' symptoms of COVID-19, together with fever and loss of smell, it affects only around four out of every ten patients infected with the virus. Coughing several times a day, for half a day or more, is considered persistent in this context. It can be difficult to tell if you're coughing more than normal, so keep an eye on yourself and others around you. Unless you have an underlying lung illness that causes you to cough up phlegm or mucus, this is usually a dry (ineffective) cough. If you have COVID-19 and start coughing up yellow or green phlegm ('gunk,'), it could be an indication of a bacterial infection in your lungs that has to be treated. Coronavirus spreads mostly through coughing. You must get a test and self-isolate if you have a cough that could be COVID-19. Whether you're sick or not, always cover your coughs - for example, by coughing into your elbow – and protect others by using a facial covering or mask."
6. Fever
According to the ZOE COVID Study, fever is a common sign of the virus. According to the COVID Symptom Study app, about four out of ten patients with COVID-19 symptoms have a high temperature (fever). Fever isn't always a negative experience. Raising your body temperature helps your immune system fight infection, so it's a natural response.
If you're under 65, a temperature of more than 37.8°C could indicate COVID-19. Because your average body temperature is likely to be lower if you're over 65 or very thin, a reading of more than 37.4°C should be considered a possible symptom. A thermometer can be used to measure your temperature at home. The best thermometer is an in-ear thermometer, but an oral (mouth) thermometer can be sufficient. Smartphones, for example, may not be as trustworthy.
If you don't have access to a thermometer, the most important symptom to watch for is feeling hotter than usual, especially on your chest or back. You may also get shivering or chills. It's also crucial to remember that there is no such thing as a "normal" body temperature, so make it a habit to check yours regularly to learn what's typical for you. Hormones can also influence body temperature, as in the case of women going through menopause.
7. Loss of Taste and Smell
According to the ZOE COVID Study, "Loss of smell has been identified as a symptom of COVID-19, according to data collected from millions of users of the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app. Here's how to recognize it and how it feels.
What is anosmia like in COVID-19?
Many persons infected with coronavirus lose their sense of smell (anosmia) and taste, according to the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app.
Some app users have also reported that their sense of smell wasn't entirely lost but rather modified due to the COVID-19 infection, with objects smelling significantly different than before.
You may discover that you can't smell strongly scented products like coffee or flowers (or candles!) if you have anosmia or a change in your sense of smell. You might also find that your food tastes different or tastes bland (dysgeusia)."
8. How to Stay Safe When You're Outside
Get vaccinated as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you aren't sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene.