Covid 19 chills
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COVID-19 and Chills: A Comprehensive Overview
Prevalence of Chills in COVID-19 Patients
Chills are a notable symptom in COVID-19 patients, although their prevalence varies across different studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17,142 adult COVID-19 patients found that 14.45% experienced chills 1. Another study involving 132,647 COVID-19 patients reported a slightly lower prevalence of chills at 15% 5. These findings indicate that while chills are not the most common symptom, they are still a significant clinical feature in COVID-19 cases.
Chills as a Predictor of Disease Progression
Chills have been identified as a potential predictor of disease progression in COVID-19 patients. A retrospective study of 211 patients found that the presence of chills increased the odds of progressing to severe disease by 6.32-fold 2. This suggests that chills, along with other symptoms such as elevated body temperature and abnormal chest X-ray findings, can be critical indicators for clinicians to monitor closely.
Symptom Profiles and Chills
In a study analyzing symptom profiles of COVID-19 patients in the United States, chills were commonly reported alongside other symptoms such as fever, cough, and myalgia 3. This aligns with findings from another systematic review, which noted that chills were frequently observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, although less common than fever and cough 4.
Clinical Characteristics and Chills
Chills are often associated with other clinical characteristics and laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients. For instance, chills have been positively correlated with chest tightness, lung abnormalities on CT scans, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) 7. This correlation underscores the importance of considering chills in the broader context of a patient's clinical presentation and laboratory results.
Chills in Special Populations
The prevalence and impact of chills can vary in specific populations. For example, a study on pregnant women with COVID-19 found that 25% experienced chills, which was comparable to the prevalence in non-pregnant adults 10. This suggests that chills are a consistent symptom across different demographic groups, although the implications for disease progression and outcomes may differ.
Conclusion
Chills are a significant symptom in COVID-19 patients, with a prevalence ranging from 14.45% to 15% in various studies. They serve as an important clinical indicator, particularly in predicting the progression to severe disease. Understanding the prevalence and implications of chills can aid clinicians in early identification and management of COVID-19, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prevalence and characteristics of fever in adult and paediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17515 patients
The prevalence of fever in adult COVID-19 patients is 79.43%, with medium-grade fever being more common than low- or high-grade fever, and both low and medium-grade fever being associated with increased risk.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedRisk factors for disease progression in COVID-19 patients
COVID-19 patients with chills, body temperature > 37.5°C, pneumonia in chest X-ray, or diabetes are at higher risk of progression to severe stage.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedSymptom Profiles of a Convenience Sample of Patients with COVID-19 — United States, January–April 2020
COVID-19 patients in the United States often experience fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with gastrointestinal symptoms and other symptoms also common.
Observational StudyHighly CitedClinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
COVID-19 in hospitalized patients is often diagnosed by fever, with ARDS as the most common complication, and early detection of elevated CRP levels may help predict disease severity.
Systematic ReviewClinical Features of COVID-19 Patients in the First Year of Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 patients are fever, coughing, fatigue, and dyspnea, which may aid in effective treatment and control of the pandemic.
Meta-AnalysisInflammatory Bowel Disease Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: The Humanitas, Milan, Experience
COVID-19 pandemic restrictions impact inflammatory bowel disease care, but handwashing and maintaining distance from others can help prevent infection.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCorrelations of Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
COVID-19 patients with elevated C-reactive protein and decreased lymphocyte counts have a more severe disease course, and elderly patients have more severe symptoms and use antiviral agents, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalSerum Proteomics in COVID-19 Patients: Altered Coagulation and Complement Status as a Function of IL-6 Level
COVID-19 patients with high IL-6 levels show increased levels of inhibitory components of the fibrinolytic cascade, potentially contributing to coagulopathic complications and paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedCOVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients
COVID-19 infection in kidney transplant recipients can lead to hospitalization and similar symptoms to nontransplant individuals, requiring close monitoring and lowered immunosuppression.
Highly CitedClinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID‐19 and comparison with control patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Pregnant women with COVID-19 have similar symptoms as non-pregnant adults, but have a higher risk of complications like caesarean delivery, low birth weight, and preterm birth compared to non-pregnant women.
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