What symptoms of coronavirus are observed in patients?

What symptoms of coronavirus are observed in patients?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it varies from asymptomatic to severe requiring prolonged hospitalization. What are the most common symptoms of coronavirus and how do the different stages of infection occur?

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is classified as a viral disease of the respiratory system. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. What symptoms of coronavirus are most commonly observed? According to WHO indications, the symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold – elevated body temperature, dry agonizing cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and general weakness and fatigue. In addition, there is a loss or change in smell and/or taste, diarrhea, a rash on the body and in the mouth – the latter is called covid tongue, and a sore throat.

It’s impossible to say definitively which symptoms will occur and how severe they will be. Some people pass coronavirus asymptomatically. It is said that up to half of the people who have immune antibodies against COVID-19 produced as a result of passing through have not noticed typical infectious symptoms in themselves. It is because of the possible asymptomatic course that the need to maintain sanitary standards is so emphasized. People who unknowingly carry the virus pose the greatest epidemiological risk.

There remains the question of coronavirus vs. children. It is worth mentioning this in the context of asymptomatic COVID-19 outbreak, since it is in this group – among the youngest – that the greatest number of asymptomatic or sparse cases are observed.

Course of coronavirus

The course of coronavirus is divided into four stages. The first is infection, or the moment of incubation when the virus enters the body and begins to multiply. Multiplication occurs in the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract. The patient has no worrisome symptoms, and is also unable to detect the virus with available tests.

The second stage is when the first symptoms are observed. This is estimated to occur about 5 to 14 days after infection. The most common symptoms are: elevated fever, shortness of breath and cough combined with weakness. Subsequent days usually result in an increase in symptoms of coronavirus. Now an upper respiratory tract swab should come back positive, but cassette tests still won’t give a reliable result.

The third stage is the development of the disease. It can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the patient’s condition. The virus can already be detected not only in a swab, but also in a blood sample, as the level of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 increases significantly.

The final stage is recovery – the body fights the coronavirus, and the patient becomes a so-called recovering patient. This is confirmed by a smear, which gives a negative result. Importantly, a high level of antibodies can persist for up to several weeks, so don’t be alarmed by a blood test.

Coronavirus with comorbidities

Some chronic diseases adversely affect coronavirus. Among them are heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and cancer. How to minimize the risk and avoid contracting coronavirus? The recommendations are clear – avoid clusters of people, wash and disinfect hands regularly, and maintain sanitary standards.

What about the issue of coronavirus vs. asthma? COVID-19 produces similar symptoms to asthma – coughing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. However, it is known that treated asthma does not make the virus infection more severe.


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