New symptoms of Covid-19: Look beyond breathing problems, loss of smell and taste

Omicron and its sub-variants, particularly BF.7, are believed to be the main cause of the current surge in covid-19 infections in China, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Omicron variants are more infectious than the Delta variant and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Even as the number of Covid-19 cases in India is decreasing, due to the ever-evolving strains of the virus, it is difficult for individuals to recognize its signs and symptoms. The main symptoms of the coronavirus in the past were difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, and high fever. However, those signs have now reportedly changed. Let’s find out the new symptoms of Covid-19 so you can be alert and take precautions.

Symptoms of Covid-19 in the first wave

The symptoms of the first wave of Covid-19 were somewhat different from those that appear now with the new sub-variants.

“It can take from 2 to 14 days for the preliminary effects of Covid-19 to show after exposure. Fever, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, dry cough, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue and loss of taste and smell were some of his symptoms. In many cases, diarrhea and fatigue were also symptoms of Covid-19,” said Dr. Laxman Jessani, Consultant, Infectious Disease Specialist, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.

This list of symptoms is not complete. Symptoms can vary from children to adults and the elderly, and the severity of Covid-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe.

What are the new symptoms of Covid-19?

From tracking Omicron and its variants are quite confusing and burdensome, you need to pay more attention to it. “The omicron mutant has one of the highest transmissibility of all covid variants. According to studies, this mutant has an R0 value of about 10-18.6, which means that each person infected with it has a chance of infecting 10-18.6 people nearby, says Dr. Vikrant Shah, consultant physician, intensivist and infectious disease specialist. at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai.

In the first wave of Covid-19, common symptoms included loss of smell and taste, high fever and difficulty breathing. Now the symptoms of Covid-19 have changed. The following are typical symptoms of the new omicron subvariants:

• Fever with dry cough
• Respiratory tract infection with nasal discharge
• Unpleasant pain in the muscles of the throat
• Fatigue
• cough
• Husky voice
• Sneezing/headache

Dr Shah says: “Omicron and its sub-variants cause more upper respiratory symptoms than older versions such as Delta, which damage the lungs. Congestion, sore throat and changes in taste and smell can be some examples of these symptoms.”

What is myalgia?

In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms of Covid-19, myalgia is one of the main and most common symptoms of Covid-19. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the term “myalgia” is used to describe discomfort in the joints and muscles. Almost every patient with Covid-19 has reported this problem.

Is the long-term impact of Covid-19 still a concern?

“Most people who have the coronavirus (Covid-19) start to feel better a few days or weeks after they start showing symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. In some people, symptoms may last longer,” says Dr. Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. This is called post-covid-19 syndrome or extended Covid.

Recovery from prolonged Covid is different. Some symptoms disappear quickly, while others remain. In fact, it doesn’t seem to matter how sick you are when you first contract covid-19, whether you’ll have long-term symptoms or not. Even individuals who have mild symptoms are at risk of developing permanent problems.

What if someone is still not vaccinated against Covid-19?

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has a weakened immune system, such as the elderly and young children, is at greater risk of contracting this virus.

Read also: Nasal covid-19 vaccine: Will it be a game-changer as new cases mount?

dr. Mule says, “Obviously it’s safer to be in a house full of vaccinated people. Vaccination cannot completely protect you from the virus, but it can reduce the chance of the condition getting worse.” So get vaccinated and take simple measures like wearing masks, avoiding crowds and washing your hands.