CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Medical authorities have continued to learn about the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. Detailed diagnostic signs have added to medical knowledge and the promise of a vaccine has renewed a sense of hope for many people.
Warning signs of a possible COVID infection range across a broad spectrum.
Symptoms
Most people who have been infected by the coronavirus experience fever, cough, or shortness of breath. The fever itself can range from low-grade to dangerously high. A fever higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered extremely high in adults and is a sign of a severe infection, according to case studies of 11,000 COVID patients. The coronavirus is a respiratory illness, and a dry, persistent cough can be a red flag of infection.
Shortness of breath can be mild or severe enough to require treatment with supplemental oxygen or a ventilator.
Headache is the most common neurological symptom.
The loss of smell or taste is typically linked to early symptoms because the virus damages olfactory bulbs that are involved in the sense of smell. A viral infection causes a general sickly feeling including a persistent exhaustion that getting more sleep does not alleviate.
Studies have found that about half of coronavirus patients experience at least one gastrointestinal symptom, which can include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or discomfort, according to washingtonpost.com, Dec. 2.
Other less-common indications include muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, dizziness, confusion, delirium, seizures and stroke, according to Harvard Medical School officials. A sore throat, congestion or runny nose are less frequently associated with COVID-19, but still occur in enough cases that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed these as symptoms.
Diagnosis: Flu or COVID?
A key difference is the transmissivity: The coronavirus spreads more easily than the seasonal influenza. Common warning signs for both include fever, cough, chills, and shortness of breath.
Most people will not be able to tell which disease they have, according to infectious-disease doctors, and patients will need a nasal swab to get a proper diagnosis.
Influenza is typically more prevalent during cold weather when more people are indoors for extended periods of time. Cibola General Hospital in Grants hosted its annual flu shot clinic earlier this year in preparation for the flu season. Hundreds of community members participated in the one-day event. Hospital officials continue to encourage area residents to make an appointment with their healthcare provider and receive a flu shot.
More COVID information
Visit https://cv.nmhealth.org/ or call the coronavirus hotline, 1-855-600-3453, to report symptoms of COVID-19.