Doctors Warn Against Ignoring These Mild COVID-19 Symptoms

By Neil P. First Posted: Apr 07, 2020 08:20 AM EDT

(Photo: Pexels)

Fever, cough, and shortness of breathing are the most commonly known symptoms of COVID-19, but there are six mild symptoms that no one should ignore according to a recently published article.

It was made clear right from the very beginning by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the significant symptoms of having COVID-19, and these are fever, cough, and shortness of breathing. However, it was discovered by doctors and experts that there is an even more extensive range of symptoms that should not be ignored.

CDC AND WHO LIST OF COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

The CDC has three significant symptoms, while the World Health Organization has an extensive list of COVID-19 symptoms. This information is essential because, based on the report of WHO for February in their WHO-China Joint Mission, it was found that 80 percent of COVID-19 patients have mild to moderate symptoms.

The CDC has listed only three symptoms because it is the most common symptom in the United States, according to Dr. Richard Watkins, an infectious disease physician at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Here are the three symptoms based on the list of CDC:

1. Fever

Fever is the most common sign of COVID-19. If the body temperature is 100.4° F or higher, then a person needs to call for a local health authority to monitor his or her condition.

2. Cough

People with COVID-19 experience a dry cough, along with other symptoms. This means that a person coughs without producing any phlegm or mucus.

3. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing is now a more advanced symptom. Patients who have difficulties in breathing are experiencing severe symptoms. Dr. David Cutler said that during this stage, a patient feels like not getting enough air to breathe.

Here the list of symptoms based on the record of the World Health Organization:

The World Health Organization gathered data and analyzes the symptoms experienced by nearly 56,000 patients in Wuhan, China, where the virus originated. They ranked the symptoms based on how frequently the patients experience it.

Here are the rankings:

Fever (87.9%)
Dry cough (67.7%)
Fatigue (38.1%)
Sputum production (33.4%)
Shortness of breath (18.6%)
Sore throat (13.9%)
Headache (13.6%)
Muscle aches and pains (14.8%)
Chills (11.4%)
Nausea or vomiting (5.0%)
Nasal congestion (4.8%)
Diarrhea (3.7%)
Coughing up blood (0.9%)
Red eyes (0.8%)

It is evident that while the CDC has listed three symptoms, the World Health Organization, in its joint mission with China, has recorded 14 symptoms.

MILD SYMPTOMS THAT YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE

While it is true that the symptoms listed above are significant, there are also mild symptoms that you should not ignore, and this is supported by the British Rhinological Society, British Association of Otorhinolaryngology, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

Here are the six mild symptoms:

1. Lost sense of smell

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery said that "This has been seen in patients ultimately testing positive for the coronavirus with no other symptoms. It could potentially be used as a screening tool to help identify otherwise asymptomatic patients, who could then be better instructed on self-isolation."

It was also found that 2 out of 3 COVID-19 patients in Germany experienced a lost sense of smell, while 30 percent of COVID-19 patients in South Korea experienced the same.

2. Fatigue

Dr. Susan Besser said: Your body is working hard to fight the virus, and that requires a lot of energy. It doesn't leave much energy left over for you," For her, it is now a surprise anymore if the body of the patient gets weak.

3. Sputum Production

Dr. Cutler said that sputum production is common to other respiratory-related diseases. However, it is vital to take note and do not assume that you have COVID-19 if you are experiencing it.

4. Sore Throat

If the excess mucus drips down the back of your nose and throat, this can irritate your throat. Constant coughing is also a significant factor, according to Dr. Besser.

5. Aches, Pains, and Headaches

Dr. Cutler said: "When you get a viral infection, often you get a fever and that fever response can cause the body to feel achy all over. We see that with the flu and other infections as well."

6. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

Dr. Besser has some theories about why this happened to some patients. She said: "It's possibly due to increased drainage from postnasal drip into the stomach-that can cause issues," She also added that this is also how the virus behaves to some patients.