Coronavirus symptoms: COVID symptoms are likely to come up in this order, finds a study

Novel coronavirus cases are continuing to rage across the world. In over a year’s time, we have learned about newer symptoms, the many different ways the disease can present itself and also the difference between mutations.

However, what studies have repeatedly found out is that there is a common link or an order in which symptoms start to show up in cases of symptomatic infections, which have been listed below:

The identification and order of the symptoms listed below can also help people differentiate the illness from other flu-like and respiratory infections.

According to scientists, coronavirus symptoms are likely to start to show up in this order:

Fever, a common symptom seen in both the original mutation as well as the more contagious variant in circulation right now, fever is the first symptom people report after contracting COVID-19.

According to earlier studies which mapped symptoms reported by COVID patients in 2020, fever was the main symptom present in over 76% cases. There are also likely chances that the newer mutation will give rise to more symptomatic cases, with fever being increasingly looked at as a COVID sign.

Most cases will have a mild fever (fluctuating between 99 degrees Fahrenheit to 101 degrees Farhenheit) and stay for 3 or 4 days. If fever persists for more than a week, or you do not experience any difference in your symptoms, it could be a sign of severe complications associated with COVID.

Do remember, fever can also be accompanied by chills, dullness and malaise associated with lasting fever.

Ever since the first cases came to light in January 2020, the persisting dry cough became the common indicator of a COVID infection. It is usually the second symptom people report after getting COVID-19, unlike what was earlier reported to be the first sign of COVID-19

The nose and the mouth still remain to be the common modes of transmission and contact for the virus, and hence, it can be quite possible for the infection to start off as a respiratory one. Dry cough (the one which comes up without the production of sputum or phlegm) is very common with COVID-19. However, experts are increasingly pointing out that symptoms of the common cold, such as a wet cough, stuffy nose and cold should also be counted as COVID symptoms.

Loss of smell and taste is becoming increasingly common with COVID-19 positive cases. While the severity of your symptom may differ, it is yet another sign of the virus impairing your respiratory tract, or the nerves.

Present in over 60% cases related to the old strain, loss of smell and taste is strangely one symptom which has been less commonly seen in cases related to the new COVID strain.

In severe cases, dysfunctioning olfactory senses can also make a person lose out on appetite, face difficulty adapting to regular food tastes, lose out on nutrition as well.

Sore throat is yet another common symptom seen with the old and the new coronavirus strain.

While many people experience a sore throat sensation with a cough, it can also occur without cough being a primary symptom.

Sore throat is caused by acute inflammation to the respiratory tract, which is usually a sign that the virus has started to rapidly multiply in the body.

Muscle pain (myalgia), headaches, joint pain and aches are now characterized as one of the most commonly reported symptoms of the viral infection.

Also common with other viral infections and illnesses, muscle pain and shooting aches can occur resultant of inflammation in the body.

For a lot of people, chronic joint pain may be the only sign of infection and last for a long time. It is also a common symptom associated with post COVID syndrome.

Diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps are seen when the virus starts to spread in the gastrointestinal tract. While it remains to be a less commonly associated symptom associated with COVID-19, it is treated as a sign of a severe form of infection.

While COVID symptoms can start off in this order for many people, do remember that these are not the only symptoms which demand getting tested for COVID-19.

A lot of coronavirus cases are being reported as asymptomatic. It may also be possible that you may develop just one (or two) of these typical signs and symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms mentioned above are not exhaustive in nature. There are also some less common signs and symptoms which have been reported by people. Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, delirium, abdominal cramps, brain fog, skin allergies can also be experienced in varying degrees.

If you suspect an active COVID infection or have been exposed to the virus in some way, get tested at once and follow neccessary isolation protocols.

Once these symptoms start to appear, you must distance yourself from others living in your house. This is the best way to protect others from the contagious virus. After two days if your situation remains the same or gets worse, consult a doctor.