Absolutely. It's possible for some individuals to contract COVID-19 without showing a fever. Fever is a common symptom, but not everyone with the virus will experience it.
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, understanding the symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options is crucial. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should promptly contact a healthcare professional, disclosing any underlying conditions for appropriate advice. Less common symptoms of COVID-19, beyond the well-known fever, cough, and fatigue, include sore throat, muscle aches and pains, headache, nasal congestion or stuffy/runny nose, scratchy throat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of smell or taste (though less common with some newer variants), hoarseness or raspy voice (noted with the XFG Stratus variant), and shortness of breath (more serious).
The symptoms can vary significantly depending on the variant and the individual. For instance, the XFG Stratus variant has been associated with a higher incidence of hoarseness or raspy voice, possibly due to its targeting of the upper respiratory tract. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting occur less frequently but are documented. Loss or change in smell and taste, while initially common, appears less often in some newer variants such as Stratus.
Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention include trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, and bluish discoloration of skin or lips.
For those with mild COVID-19 symptoms, it is recommended to isolate from other household members, using separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and personal items.
A study in August 2020 hypothesised that people develop COVID-19 symptoms in the following order: a fever, muscle pain and a dry cough, vomiting, nausea, or both, and diarrhea. However, this order of symptoms requires further studies to prove its accuracy.
Coughing or sneezing into tissues or the inside of the elbow can limit the spread of respiratory droplets. A July 2020 study found that 40% of participants with confirmed COVID-19 developed a fever, while symptoms such as a dry cough were not universal, with 60.4% of participants experiencing it. Another study from April found that only 12% of people with confirmed COVID-19 had a fever when admitted to a hospital.
In an emergency, dial 911 or request emergency medical aid. Do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead. COVID-19 symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after the person contracts the infection, according to the WHO.
In light of the pandemic, it is essential to take preventive measures. Wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose while around people from outside the household reduces the chances of passing on SARS-CoV-2. Cloth face masks are recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated in indoor public settings, and outdoor mask usage may be necessary in areas with high case numbers. Surgical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare workers.
Hand washing is essential in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, especially before touching the face, eyes, nose, or mouth, after using the restroom, after blowing the nose, sneezing, or coughing, and after touching animals. Physical distancing, staying 6 feet or 2 meters away from others, especially in public or around people who may be sick, reduces the risk of exposure to respiratory droplets that may contain SARS-CoV-2.
According to a March 2020 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 80% of people with COVID-19 experience mild or no symptoms. Increase cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces and objects with soap and water before thoroughly using a household disinfectant.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, headaches, a sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, a fever, chills, a cough, difficulty breathing, a new loss of taste or smell, and a runny or congested nose. Severe or worsening COVID-19 symptoms include chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, bluish lips, fingers, or toes, trouble waking up or staying awake, and new confusion.
Stay informed, stay safe, and remember: prevention is key.
- Underlying medical-conditions, such as migraine, eczema, psoriasis, and bipolar, could influence the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
- NSCLC patients should be extra vigilant as cancer weakens the immune system, making them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications.
- Predictive models based on science can help estimate the spread of COVID-19 in different areas, guiding medical-conditions management and chronic-diseases care.
- Apart from COVID-19, some may also experience respiratory-conditions like asthma or allergies, which could intensify or complicate their symptoms.
- Eye-health is another aspect to consider during COVID-19 as some patients reported eye discomfort or conjunctivitis as a symptom.
- Hearing loss has not been directly linked to COVID-19, but health-and-wellness experts advise regular ear checks to monitor for any changes.
- Fitness-and-exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system, which can help combat COVID-19 and other chronic-diseases.
- Mental-health issues like anxiety and stress can rise during this pandemic, and seeking psychological support is valuable for fostering skin-care, self-care, mental-health, and overall well-being.
- Using CBD as a natural remedy for pain, inflammation, or anxiety can help alleviate symptoms related to COVID-19 or chronic-diseases.
- Financial concerns add to the stress of the pandemic, and managing personal-finance, investments, and home-and-garden budgets is essential to staying stable during uncertain times.
- Data-and-cloud-computing can help businesses and hospitals quickly process and analyze information for better understanding the impact of COVID-19 and other lifestyle-related illnesses.
- As the pandemic continues, it is essential to maintain relationships with loved ones, adapting to virtual communication methods like video calls and chats.
- Pet owners must prioritize their animals' health, ensuring they receive proper care and attention and are kept safe during COVID-19 outbreaks.
- Travel restrictions and fears related to COVID-19 have led to a surge in staycations, making it important to create enjoyable experiences within home-and-garden settings.
- Sports fans can still connect with their favorite sports, from football (soccer), baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, racing, American football, tennis, mixed-martial-arts (MMA), to weather and sports-analysis updates.
- For fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts, prioritizing skin-care routines and adhering to skin-conditions treatments is vital to keeping the body healthy during the pandemic.
- Food-and-drink choices play a significant role in supporting the immune system and overall health, and adopting a balanced, nutritious diet can enhance resilience against COVID-19 and other common chronic-diseases.
- Obesity affects all aspects of health, increasing the risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe symptoms.
- Therapies-and-treatments for chronic-diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure require careful consideration and monitoring during the pandemic.
- SARS, a relative of COVID-19, has previously caused outbreaks like MERS and the original SARS in 2003, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and research.
- When in doubt about any symptom, it's best to consult a medical professional, even for conditions like SARS or other Lesser-Known diseases related to COVID-19.
- Wearing fashionable face masks is a practical and stylish way to guard against COVID-19 while staying on top of the latest fashion-and-beauty trends.
- CEOs and business leaders must navigate their companies through the pandemic, prioritizing the health and financial-wellbeing of their employees and adapting to new modes of work and operation.
- Technology, like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), can help keep us connected and active during social-distancing measures, promoting mental-health and fitness-and-exercise.
- As the world adapts to COVID-19 and its lasting impacts on health-and-wellness, relationship dynamics, and daily routines, it is essential to remain resilient, seek knowledge, and support each other during these challenging times.
