Covid symptoms
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COVID-19 Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Symptoms of Acute COVID-19
Fever and Cough
Fever and cough are the most prevalent symptoms among COVID-19 patients. Studies consistently report high incidences of fever, ranging from 78% to 85.6% . Cough is also frequently observed, with prevalence rates between 57% and 65.7% .
Fatigue and Muscle Soreness
Fatigue is another common symptom, affecting approximately 31% to 46% of patients . Muscle soreness or myalgia is reported in about 12% to 33% of cases .
Respiratory Symptoms
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) and chest tightness are significant respiratory symptoms. Dyspnea affects around 21% to 35% of patients and is notably associated with severe cases . Other respiratory symptoms include expectoration (41.8%) and chest tightness (35.7%).
Gastrointestinal and Minor Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea (12.9%) and nausea/vomiting (10.2%) are less common but still notable. Minor symptoms include headache (15.4%), pharyngalgia (13.1%), and abdominal pain (4.4%).
Long COVID Symptoms
Persistent Fatigue and Respiratory Issues
Long COVID, defined as symptoms persisting for at least four weeks post-infection, commonly includes fatigue (37%) and dyspnea (21%) . These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.
Sensory Impairments
Olfactory (17%) and gustatory dysfunctions (10%) are frequently reported in long COVID cases. These sensory impairments can persist for months, affecting taste and smell.
Myalgia and Cough
Myalgia (12%) and cough (11%) are also prevalent in long COVID, mirroring some of the acute phase symptoms .
Cognitive and Psychological Symptoms
Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty focusing, and psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, are reported in long COVID patients . These symptoms can be debilitating and require targeted interventions.
Severity and Risk Factors
Severe Cases and Comorbidities
Severe COVID-19 cases are often associated with symptoms like dyspnea, which has a strong correlation with disease severity (OR 2.43). Comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes are prevalent among severe cases, increasing the risk of complications like ARDS and acute kidney injury .
Mortality and Critical Care
The mortality rate for COVID-19 varies but is generally reported around 3.2% to 7% . A significant proportion of hospitalized patients require intensive care, with 17% needing intensive care and 9% requiring invasive ventilation.
Conclusion
COVID-19 presents a wide range of symptoms, from common ones like fever and cough to more severe manifestations such as dyspnea and fatigue. Long COVID adds another layer of complexity, with persistent symptoms affecting various body systems. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of both acute and long COVID cases.
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