Watch out for these symptoms!
SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to impair the body in many different ways. From respiratory system, immunity, heart to the brain, people experience a host of symptoms related to the infection. Furthermore, the type and number of symptoms you may have could also determine your risk of infection severity and post COVID risk.
While fever, cough and shortness of breath may be the three most persistent and profound symptoms of illness for symptomatic people, even simplest changes in blood sugar levels, fatigue, gastrointestinal trouble and weakness may be an early indicator of a COVID-19 active infection.
Well, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, the virus may start to impact your vitals almost immediately and raise signs of worry.
Findings of the study
For the same, researchers from New York compared and analyzed 12,000 people who visited the emergency room during the COVID peak.
It was observed that almost 57.5% of people who complained of weakness, experienced falls or mental decline were found to be COVID+.
A similar diagnosis was observed in people who walked in the emergency room with complaints of uncontrolled blood sugar levels, gastrointestinal problems.
It should be noted that none of the patients analyzed as part of the study had typical COVID symptoms upon admission.
Who is more at risk?
Further evaluation of the study also made more interesting, alarming notes. Of those found to be COVID+, patients over the age of 65 were more at risk of developing these atypical symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea.
Patients with atypical symptoms such as declining mental state, those with cognition problems and a higher than usual blood sugar level faced a higher risk of COVID severity and mortality.
The recognition of faltering mental state as an atypical, initial COVID symptom follows up a recent study, which suggested that delirium, accompanied by low-grade fever can be a sign of high inflammation and severe form of COVID.
Why is uncontrolled blood sugar level a sign of worry?
Diabetes is the biggest responsible co-morbidity associated with COVID-19 right now.
People with high or unmanaged blood sugar levels have less than normal blood flow, which makes it difficult for the body to harness nutrients, natural defences meant to protect the body against several infections and promote healing. Infection risk automatically rises up. It can also lead to other complications like fatigue, weakness, lethargy and fainting.
Therefore, any flare-up or unusual difference in blood sugar levels need attention at once.
In the case of COVID-19, uncontrolled blood glucose levels can also increase infection severity. Doctors have also highlighted that apart from general precautions, diabetic patients should also be practising more cautious skin hygiene, distancing habits to minimize the risk of infection and manage their health better.
COVID-19 can also increase blood glucose levels post-recovery
There is yet another way novel coronavirus could prove difficult for diabetes patients. As doctors are witnessing, blood sugar levels seem to rise in COVID patients who go on to make successful recoveries.
Experts are now warning that some of the drugs which are being used to treat COVID patients in a repurposed manner may fuel other complications in the body, from spiking glucose levels, leading to a rise in fungal infections and kidney problems.
How does COVID harm the gut?
While gastrointestinal infection signs, accompanied by typical COVID-19 signs are a marker for severe COVID, in many cases, COVID-19 signs may only show up in the gut and cause abdominal distress.
These signs could present as nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and other gastric symptoms. In some cases, it could lead to more severe issues, such as jaundice and pancreatitis, which is a form of inflammation. However, while there is no real conclusive evidence yet as to why this happens, scientists suggest that the gut's connection with the immune system may have a role to play. The gut holds a special place in fighting off infections in the system. The gut microbiome has a lot of defensive actions, which fight out viruses, fungi, bacteria and also help active immune response. Hence, any disturbance in the gut microbiome can have consequences for your health.