The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense suffering and devastation around the world. Since its emergence in late 2019, the virus has spread to every corner of the globe, infecting millions of people and causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely from person to person. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience severe respiratory distress and require hospitalization. According to a recent study, the top twenty COVID-19 symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, headache, cough no phlegm, cough with phlegm, hoarse voice, muscle pain aches, dizzy, eye soreness, fatigue, swollen glands, altered smell, loss of smell, earache, shortness of breath, chest pain tightness, chills or shivers, and joint pain shoulders.
The most common COVID-19 symptom is a sore throat, found in 57% of cases. Runny nose and blocked nose are also prevalent, with 57% and 56% of cases reporting these symptoms, respectively. Sneezing and headache are also common, found in 53% of cases each. Cough is also a common symptom, with 50% of cases experiencing cough with no phlegm and 40% experiencing cough with phlegm. Hoarse voice, muscle pain, and dizziness are also common, with 34%, 29%, and 19% of cases reporting these symptoms, respectively.
Other less common symptoms of COVID-19 include eye soreness, fatigue, swollen glands, altered smell, loss of smell, earache, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, chills or shivers, and joint pain in the shoulders.
It is essential to note that not everyone who contracts COVID-19 will experience all or even any of these symptoms. However, knowing the symptoms can help individuals identify the possibility of having the virus and seek medical attention immediately.
Moreover, it is also crucial to remember that many people infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic. They may not show any symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. Therefore, following the guidelines provided by healthcare authorities to prevent the spread of the virus is critical. These guidelines include wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, practicing social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the world, and knowing the symptoms is essential in identifying the possibility of contracting the virus. The top twenty symptoms of COVID-19, including sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, headache, cough, and others, can help individuals identify the possibility of having the virus and seek medical attention. However, it is also important to remember that prevention is better than cure, and following the guidelines provided by healthcare authorities is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.