What are the new Covid symptoms?

Covid-19 still has the world in its thrall. However, countries are slowly opening up as vaccination rates rise worldwide. Yet, new Covid variants continue to pose a significant challenge to public health everywhere. How would you know if you are infected? What are the new Covid symptoms that you should look out for?

Remember, almost all strains of the novel Coronavirus lead to some common symptoms. If you are suffering from any of them, isolate immediately and get a Covid-19 RT PCR test.

Symptoms of Covid-19 infection – New Covid Symptoms

Most people who get Covid19 will show mild Covid symptoms, and get well on their own. As per reports, a majority of patients can get well by isolating themselves at home and following their doctor’s orders. However, if symptoms worsen- they may need hospitalization and strict medical supervision.

Watch out for these Covid 19 symptoms:

• Fever or chills that continues for longer than the regular flu period
• Shortness of breath or difficulty with breathing
• Cough
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Headache
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Loss of taste and smell
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting

A sudden loss of the sense of taste or smell is considered to be one of the most pronounced symptoms of Covid 19. 

If you are experiencing any of the above- it is best to take an RT PCR test to confirm whether you have an active infection. While you may be fully vaccinated, you can still contract COVID-19 and spread it to others.

While for most people, home isolation and treatment are enough- you must keep a close eye on the symptoms. If they aggravate or you experience acute breathing troubles- you need urgent care. Contact your doctor and hospitalize if required.

New Covid symptoms– the delta variant

Scientists consider the delta variant to be as infectious as chickenpox. The variant remains a matter of concern, as it spreads rapidly and is twice more contagious than its predecessors.

The CDC says that there is evidence that shows that the delta variant causes much severe symptoms than others. Studies found that people infected by the delta variant are more likely to be hospitalized than those who have contracted other strains of Covid-19.

This is primarily a matter of concern for those who remain unvaccinated. From all over the world, news reports are coming in that the hospitals are being filled with people who have contracted more severe forms of Covid-19 due to lack of vaccination.

Parents especially, must keep a sharp eye out to watch for Covid symptoms in kids. The CDC reported that the risk of hospitalization is ten times more in the case of unvaccinated children.

This is a serious issue considering vaccination is not available for children in most countries.

Fully vaccinated people may still contract the delta variant and spread it- but the transmitted strains are much weaker and affect people for a shorter while.

New Covid symptoms – Covid second wave symptoms

While the primary symptoms of all variants of the novel coronavirus remain the same, people who have been affected by the second wave have reported some acute problems and symptoms.

Gastrointestinal issues

Scientists have found that Covid-19 may lead to serious digestive or gastrointestinal issues. The most common of them are abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting in the early stages of Covid19. Hence, if you want to stay alert, be on the lookout for these initial symptoms of Covid.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Reports show that people with Covid 19 have an increased chance of developing pink eye. This is especially common in those that require hospitalization.

Skin rashes

From across the globe, many patients suffering from Covid-19 have developed skin rashes. Even for some asymptomatic patients, skin rashes have been prevalent. In the case of children, skin eruptions manifested in some cases.

While skin rashes may occur for a variety of reasons, doctors recommend keeping a close eye on skin rashes as these may be the early symptoms of Covid.

Complications from Covid- Black fungus

Perhaps the most alarming complication that the pandemic threw up was the increased incidence of black mold eye infection or mucormycosis. The black fungus infects people who are immunocompromised or may be undergoing treatment for diseases like Covid19. It can even result in vision loss.

Black mold became so common at one time that several countries declared it as a matter of public health emergency.

If you want to stay safe from this deadly fungal infection, watch out for these Covid black fungus infection symptoms:

• Facial swelling
• Headache
• Congestion
• Black lesions that aggravate fast and appear inside the mouth and on the nose
• Fever
• Cough
• Breathing problems.

Post Covid Symptoms- Long Covid

Many people are also reporting lingering Covid19 symptoms even after making a full recovery. This is what is called “long Covid” which is more pronounced among people who have been affected by the second wave. Some of them are:

New Covid Symptoms– Extreme Fatigue- New

While the flu may also induce a sense of exhaustion, it is more pronounced in the case of Covid-19. The post-Covid fatigue is acute and can be persistent in nature. A person who has already made the recovery may still experience lingering fatigue for months.

Lingering headache

Is headache a symptom of Covid? It turns out, persistent bouts of headache is extremely common among former Covid patients. With the delta variant, severe headache appears to be a noticeable symptom.

New Covid Symptoms– Tinnitus, earache, or hearing loss

Tinnitus is that ringing sound in the ear that is often regarded as a precursor of hearing loss. While sporadic reports came during the onset of the second wave of people getting tinnitus and experiencing earache with Covid-19, conclusive studies were not made.

However, the University of Manchester and Manchester Biomedical Research Centre published a study in February 2021, which concluded that 7.6% of people infected with Covid had suffered hearing loss. Additionally, 7.2% of the patients got vertigo and 14.8% suffered from tinnitus.

Respiratory and cardiovascular issues

Many people have reported experiencing palpitations and breathing problems post-Covid. Some also experience chest pains and tightness in the chest. This is more pronounced with those who have pre-existing conditions or a family history of hypertension, diabetes or respiratory problems.

New Covid Symptoms– Neurological issues

For many, “brain fog” seems to be an issue post-Covid. Many report that they experience trouble remembering things and also experience dizziness or light-headedness. Not only that, but they also have trouble sleeping- as their sleep is disturbed in the long run.

Delerium

This is especially pronounced in the elderly. Doctors have expressed concern about the rising incidence of delirium in patients infected by Covid19. Some doctors also opine that delirium may have been a symptom of Covid all along, but is only getting attention now due to increased reporting.

New Covid Symptoms– Depression and anxiety

With the pandemic, the world has been engulfed in fear. Suffering from a disease with a high incidence of morbidity, caring for patients or the loss of human interaction and the usual lifestyle has lead to an increased instance of depression and anxiety. For Covid survivors, the remaining complications and pain often lead to aggravated stress and subsequent depression.

Who are at heightened risk of developing Covid?

As said earlier, most people who contract the disease will only experience mild symptoms. However, there are groups that are at higher risk with COVID-19, as their immunity is compromised. This includes:

• People with diabetes
• People having hypertension
• Those undergoing treatment for diseases like cancer or dialysis
• Patients with autoimmune diseases
• The elderly
• People with underlying health conditions
• Those suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma or pneumonia

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. This is especially true now that the third wave is set to peak- which affects children. Here are some precautions you can take to prevent the spread of the disease.

Precautions against Covid

• Wear a mask, face-covering or a face shield. If you are wearing a mask, make sure it covers both your mouth and nose.
• Wash your hands with soap and water several times a day. Lather up for at least 20 seconds to ensure that the germs are killed.
• Avoid going out unless necessary.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or face.
• Do not touch exposed, high-traffic surfaces like guard rails, elevator buttons and walls, countertops, door handles and latches.
• Keep the exposed surfaces in your home clean and disinfect them frequently with wipes, soap, bleach or sprays.
• Avoid large social gatherings.
• Keep a hand sanitizer with you at all times. In case it is not possible to wash your hands with soap and water, disinfect with a hand sanitizer. It should have an alcohol content of 60% at least.
• Maintain social distancing. If you go out, stay at least 6 feet away from the next person.
• If you sneeze, use a tissue and discard it immediately.
• Wear gloves where needed. Use disposable gloves.
• Follow the public safety guidelines issued by the authorities.
• If you come in contact with a person who has COVID19, isolate immediately and watch for symptoms.
• In case you develop symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately and get an RT PCR test for an accurate diagnosis.

Vaccination is the best way to keep yourself and the people around you safe. So, at the earliest opportunity, get the COVID vaccine.

Conclusion 

If you are in Seychelles, you can depend on Seychelles Medical for an accurate Covid19 test. Book online and take an RT PCR test with us to be on the safe side. If you are flying out, we can provide you with a Fit-to-Fly certificate that is accepted by all countries.

You can walk into any of our testing centers, or share your location with us and we will come and visit you. We also visit hotels, resorts, boats and villas in Seychelles, so enquire about our scheduled timings. You will get your test results within 24 hours.