Symptoms of viral infection in adults
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Symptoms of Viral Infection in Adults
Understanding the symptoms of viral infections in adults is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and containment. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies on various viral infections, including COVID-19, Zika virus, and other respiratory viruses.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Adults
Fever and Cough
Fever and cough are the most prevalent symptoms in adults infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. A systematic review of 24,410 adults across nine countries found that 78% of patients experienced fever, while 57% had a cough. These symptoms are critical for identifying potential COVID-19 cases, although they are not exclusive to this virus.
Fatigue and Respiratory Distress
Fatigue was reported in 31% of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, severe cases often required non-invasive ventilation (19%), intensive care (17%), and invasive ventilation (9%). These findings highlight the range of respiratory complications that can arise from COVID-19.
Symptoms of Zika Virus Infection in Adults
Exanthema and Arthralgia
Zika virus infections commonly present with exanthema (89%) and arthralgia (63%). These symptoms are distinctive and can aid in differentiating Zika from other viral infections.
Fever and Conjunctivitis
Fever (62%) and conjunctivitis (45%) are also frequent in Zika virus cases, along with myalgia (48%) and headache (46%). These symptoms, while common in many viral infections, are particularly notable in Zika.
Neurological Complications
A small percentage of Zika virus cases (0.3%) develop neurological complications, predominantly Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). This severe outcome underscores the importance of monitoring neurological symptoms in Zika patients.
Symptoms of Other Respiratory Viral Infections
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses
Fever is a common symptom in various respiratory viral infections, including influenza, human rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, the prevalence of fever varies significantly among these viruses, with influenza A showing a 30% fever rate, while RSV shows only 14%.
Cough and Lower Respiratory Tract Symptoms
Acute cough and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are prevalent in infections caused by influenza, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and other respiratory viruses. These infections often result in prolonged symptom duration and higher severity scores compared to non-viral LRTIs.
Viral Meningitis Symptoms
Enterovirus, HSV, and VZV
Viral meningitis in adults is most commonly caused by enterovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms include fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Notably, HSV infections are associated with higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels and white blood cell counts compared to enterovirus infections.
Ebola Virus Disease Symptoms
Early and Late-Stage Symptoms
Ebola virus disease (EVD) presents with early non-specific symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and fever. Late-stage symptoms that are more predictive of EVD include confusion, conjunctivitis, dysphagia, and jaundice. These symptoms are critical for timely diagnosis and isolation of EVD patients.
Conclusion
Viral infections in adults manifest through a variety of symptoms, with some overlap across different viruses. Fever, cough, and fatigue are common in respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza, while exanthema and arthralgia are more specific to Zika virus. Understanding these symptom patterns is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of viral infections.
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