Understanding COVID-19: 2 Symptoms You Should Look Out For
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people worldwide, spreading rapidly and causing significant health and economic impacts. The virus’s symptoms range from mild to severe and can cause long-term health problems. In this article, we will explore two crucial symptoms of COVID-19 that you should look out for.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and mainly spreads from person to person. It shares symptoms like the flu, which might include a cough, fever, chills, and body aches. However, if symptoms worsen, it could result in shortness of breath, pneumonia, or even respiratory failure. The virus can cause mild to severe symptoms and can be fatal in some cases.
Loss of Smell and Taste
One of the most unusual and distinctive symptoms of COVID-19 is losing your sense of smell or taste. This symptom is not typical for other respiratory illnesses like the common cold or flu. According to a study conducted by the British Medical Journal, an estimated 78% of COVID-19 patients report anosmia or hyposmia as one of their symptoms.
Anosmia and hyposmia may occur abruptly and could be an early warning sign of COVID-19 infection. If you notice any changes or loss of smell or taste, it is crucial to get tested for COVID-19, even if you do not experience any other symptoms. Although loss of smell or taste is generally not severe, it can impact daily life and significantly affect your mental and emotional well-being.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Several studies have shown that COVID-19 may not only cause respiratory symptoms but also cardiovascular symptoms. COVID-19 patients can experience myocardial inflammation, heart arrhythmias, and blood clots, leading to serious outcomes such as heart attacks, heart failure and, thromboembolism. In fact, according to research published in The Lancet, cardiovascular disease was the most common comorbidity in COVID-19 fatalities.
Therefore, if you experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately to prevent long-term complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, COVID-19 affects everyone differently and can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Loss of smell and taste and cardiovascular symptoms are two critical symptoms that can occur with COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is crucial to be attentive to your body and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of their severity. Remember to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and wash your hands frequently to protect yourself and others from the virus.
