Coughing is one of the most common symptoms that occurs most often when a person is exposed to the coronavirus strain new, SARS-CoV-2, cause of COVID-19.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 67.7 percent or more than two-thirds of patients infected with COVID-19 experience cough symptoms. However, many do not know how to distinguish a normal cough from a cough caused by the corona virus.
Because coughing is a common symptom, there are several signs that can help us distinguish whether you have a normal cough or a symptom of COVID-19. How to? Check out the explanation below.
1. Persistent dry cough accompanied by fever
A dry cough that occurs continuously and is accompanied by fever has been confirmed as the most common symptom experienced by COVID-19 patients.
In a study conducted by a research team from the University of Leeds, UK, in collaboration with a team of researchers from the University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, Imperial College London and the Belgian Cancer Center, funded by the National Institute for Health Research and VALCOR in Belgium, confirmed two symptoms: cough and fever are the most common symptoms that COVID-19 patients suffer from.
In research published in the journal PLOS One The research team analyzed data from 148 separate studies to identify common symptoms experienced by more than 24,000 patients in nine countries, including the UK, China and the United States.
The study is one of the largest studies ever conducted to examine the symptoms of COVID-19. The findings, from 24,410 cases, found that 78 percent of patients had fever.
Although it varies, such as in Singapore, which reported 72 percent had a fever while in South Korea (South Korea) it was only 32 percent, but fever is certainly the most common symptom.
In addition, the study also revealed that 57 percent of the patients experienced cough symptoms. These results also varied in several countries, such as the Netherlands which reported 76 percent of patients, while in South Korea it was only 18 percent.
“This analysis confirms that cough and fever are the most common symptoms in people who test positive for COVID-19,” said Ryckie Wade, a surgeon and clinical researcher at the Leeds Institute for Medical Research, UK, who oversaw the study in a statement.
“This is important because it ensures that people with symptoms can be quarantined so they don’t infect other people. This study lends credence to the fact that we have correctly identified the main symptoms and can help determine who should be tested, “he continued.
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2. Cough accompanied by loss of taste and smell
Watch out for coughs accompanied by sudden loss of smell and taste. unsplash.com/Battlecreek Coffee Roasters–
Sudden loss of smell and taste is also a common symptom that occurs in COVID-19 patients.
Launch BBC, there is a study from the University of East Anglia, England, which examined 30 volunteers with details: 10 people with COVID-19, 10 people with severe colds, and 10 healthy people without fever or symptoms. From this study, it was found that sufferers of COVID-19 experience a significant loss of their sense of smell. They reportedly were unable to distinguish between bitter or sweet tastes.
“There seems to be something that differentiates the corona virus from other respiratory viruses,” said Prof. Carl Philpott, lead investigator of the study.
“This is very interesting, because it means that smell and taste tests can be used to differentiate between COVID-19 patients and the common cold or flu,” he continued.
Prof. Philpott also suggested that people who experience early symptoms of COVID-19 can do a smell and taste test using coffee, onions, oranges, or lemon and sugar at home as early detection. If you experience it, the person is advised to immediately do it swab test to confirm further.
Also read: 7 factors that can worsen symptoms of COVID-19, let’s protect each other!
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3. Cough accompanied by body aches and chills
Coughing with body aches and chills can also be symptoms of COVID-19. freepik.com/katemangostar–
Some COVID-19 patients also complain of pain and chills, especially at night. It feels like chills when you have a fever.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last May added six new symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients, and one of them is chills.
As quoted on its official website, the CDC has long stated that fever and shortness of breath may be experienced by COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, several new symptoms, one of which is chills, were discovered after the CDC found that a number of positive COVID-19 patients experienced them.
Symptoms of muscle pain, chills, and headaches according to the CDC usually appear within 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Because of this, they recommend that people with these symptoms go to the hospital immediately.
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4. Sudden confusion
Watch for severe confusion or an inability to wake up. freepik.com/diana.grytsku–
Still according to the CDC, severe confusion or the inability to wake up can be a warning sign that someone is infected with COVID-19.
People experiencing these symptoms are asked to be vigilant, especially if these symptoms are also accompanied by critical signs such as bluish lips, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
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5. Cough accompanied by indigestion
If you have a cough accompanied by digestive problems, consult a doctor immediately. freepik.com/freepik–
Although COVID-19 attacks the respiratory tract, some people with COVID-19 also experience disorders of the digestive system. Launch Healthline, Researchers from Stanford University, United States, found that one-third of the patients they studied with mild cases of COVID-19 had symptoms that affected the digestive system.
Meanwhile, another recent study published by researchers in Beijing, China, also found that as many as 3-79 percent of people with COVID-19 experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and fever.
In a study published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology that examined 206 patients with mild cases of COVID-19, 48 found that they had gastrointestinal symptoms, while 69 others experienced digestive and respiratory symptoms.
Of the total 117 patients with gastric disorders, 19.4 percent had diarrhea as an initial symptom.
Researchers from Beijing found that vomiting was more common in children with COVID-19 than in adults. They analyzed all clinical studies of COVID-19 and case reports related to digestive problems published between December 2019 and February 2020. It found that 3.6 to 15.9 percent of adults experienced vomiting, compared to 6.5 to 66.7 percent of children child.
That’s what you can use as a guide as a way to distinguish between a common cough and a cough indicative of COVID-19. If you experience one, let alone several of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult the nearest health service facility for further examination.
Keep your body as healthy as possible during this COVID-19 pandemic. Keep wearing a mask when on the move outside the home, or if necessary, also wear it at home. Apply a healthy lifestyle, wash your hands frequently with soap and running water, avoid touching your face, manage stress well, and don’t have to leave the house if you don’t have urgent matters.
Also Read: Recent Study: Ibuprofen Does Not Make COVID-19 Symptoms Worse
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