10 Common Symptoms of COVID-19 You Should Know About
COVID-19 has been a pandemic that has affected the entire world, leading to massive disruptions in different aspects of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been over 166 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world and over 3.3 million deaths. The virus has had a profound impact on how people live, work, and interact with each other. In light of this, it is crucial to be aware of the common symptoms of COVID-19 to help curb the spread of the disease.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since spread globally, leading to a pandemic. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Some people infected by the virus may experience mild or no symptoms, while others may develop severe symptoms that require hospitalization. The following are the most common symptoms of COVID-19:
1. Fever:
A fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. It is a high body temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC).
2. Cough:
A dry cough is another common symptom of COVID-19. It is a persistent cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm.
3. Shortness of breath:
Shortness of breath is a severe symptom of COVID-19 that requires immediate medical attention. It can cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and fatigue.
4. Fatigue:
Fatigue is a general feeling of tiredness that can result from other symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and cough.
5. Body aches:
Body aches and muscle pain are also common symptoms of COVID-19. They may be mild or severe.
6. Loss of taste or smell:
Loss of taste or smell, also known as anosmia, is a unique symptom of COVID-19. It can affect the ability to taste different flavors of food or smell different odors.
7. Headache:
A headache is a common symptom of COVID-19 and can range from mild to severe.
8. Sore throat:
A sore throat is a symptom of COVID-19 that can be accompanied by other upper respiratory symptoms.
9. Congestion or runny nose:
Congestion or a runny nose can also be symptoms of COVID-19, although they are less common.
10. Nausea or vomiting:
Nausea or vomiting can be symptoms of COVID-19, particularly in severe cases.
Conclusion
While the above symptoms are the most common symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible to have no symptoms or not notice any symptoms at all. Early detection and isolation are crucial in curbing the spread of COVID-19. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to get tested and follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. By being familiar with the common symptoms of COVID-19, we can bring an end to this global pandemic.
