As the COVID-19 pandemic continues growing, people who have been infected by the virus describe a number of symptoms, not always the same.
Some people may end up with a dry cough, while others have body aches or general lethargy. Some have multiple symptoms. But it’s important you know all of the symptoms so that you can seek medical care if necessary.
Here are 24 subtle and not-so-subtle symptoms of COVID-19:
- Dry coughing
While a dry cough could be a sign of an allergic reaction or the common cold, many patients who have been afflicted with the coronavirus experienced a ticklish throat and dry coughing as an initial symptom.
- Difficulty breathing
Breathing difficulties that result from COVID-19 can manifest as breathlessness after climbing the stairs or walking up a hill, or even when you aren’t exerting yourself at all.
- Vertigo
Sudden bouts of vertigo are a sure sign that something is wrong and could indicate early COVID symptoms.
- Spontaneous bouts of sweating
If you break into a cold sweat when you are not exerting yourself or overheating, this could be a sign that you have the virus.
- Joint and muscle pain
Aches and pains that are present in your back or joints frequently occur when you are sick, and they could be a symptom of the coronavirus.
- Lethargy
If you feel exhausted after excellent sleep or are unusually low on energy, your body is clearly fighting off sickness, which could include COVID-19.
- Lesions on toes
Some sufferers of COVID-19 develop discolored and swollen toe lesions from possible micro blood clots.
- High fever
If your body temperature is unusually high, you may either have COVID-19 or a common illness such as the flu.
- Swelling in the legs
When swelling occurs in both of your legs at the same time, it could be a symptom of COVID-19.
- Mental and behavioral changes
Sudden forgetfulness or confusion can be an indicator of the coronavirus.
- Pink eye
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an uncommon but possible symptom that you could experience if you have COVID-19.
- Runny or congested nose
If your nose is running or feels plugged, it is possible that you could have the coronavirus if it’s not from allergies or a cold.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Abdominal pain and diarrhea can manifest during ordinary gastrointestinal viruses as well as in COVID-19 patients. If you suddenly start experiencing diarrhea, it could mean that you have the virus.
- Indigestion
If you have heartburn or the telltale chest and stomach discomfort of indigestion, this could be a serious indicator of heart troubles or the coronavirus.
- Swelling in fingers or limbs
If you feel numbness or experience swelling in your fingers or limbs, this could be caused by blood clotting that results from COVID-19.
- Sore throat
A painful, scratchy throat could mean almost anything, but if it’s particularly severe or long-lasting, you may want to take a COVID-19 test.
- A strong headache
If you are experiencing a painful headache and you’re not dehydrated, this could be a symptom of COVID-19.
- Skin discoloration or rashes
If you find a peculiar spot of discoloration or a rash on your skin, it may be the coronavirus making itself known.
- Blood clots in veins
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious ailment that occurs when blood clots form in major veins in the legs. If you have this, you should see a doctor immediately as it could be COVID-19 or another serious illness.
- Flu symptoms
Even if you have ordinary influenza symptoms such as muscle pain, sneezing, coughing and a fever, this could in fact be COVID-19 rather than the flu.
- Absence of taste
When you are unable to taste anything you eat or drink, this could be a symptom of anything as serious as the coronavirus to a common respiratory cold.
- Absence of smell
Often occurring in conjunction with the absence of taste, the absense of smell is another possible indicator of COVID-19.
- Upset stomach
If you are suffering from nausea or vomiting, this could indicate that you either have the flu, food poisoning or the coronavirus.
- Pain in the calf muscle
If you experience pain in your lower leg, this could indicate the presence of a blood clot from COVID-19.
If you suspect that you may have COVID-19, contact your doctor right away.
