Symptoms of Covid-19

Patients with coronavirus have a number of coagulation (blot clots) abnormalities which can result in excessive tendency towards creating clots (thrombosis) and it is clear from the evidence that this may be a big risk factor for death in severely ill patients and needs to be carefully treated and studied further. The mechanisms are not currently well understood but involve:

• Endothelial injury
• Stasis
• Hypercoagulability.

Clinical feature can include, often despite prophylactic-dose anticoagulation:

• Venous thromboembolism including extensive deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism which is seen in up to one-third of patients in the ICU even when  anticoagulation is given.

Autopsy studies also demonstrate that hypercoagulability is common in the most severely ill patients. In one study where a post-mortem was performed on 21 patients that died from coronavirus, a pulmonary embolism was found in four and in those who had the data available  and it was found that almost 50% of the deceased had mircrothombi in alveolar capillaries.

In another study of 12 post-mortem examinations 7 of 12 had bilateral deep vein thrombosis (clots) in the legs with all cases having been both bilateral and interestingly unsuspected in all patients. Of those 12 - the cause of death in at least 4 was determined to be a pulmonary embolism - clots in the lungs.

Studies also demonstrate that widespread clothing and micro clots were significantly more prominent in the lungs of the patients who died of coronavirus compared with the lungs of controls who died of for example the flu.

Risk factors for hypercoagulability

Studies indicate - due to the fact that most patients have risks such as obese males, other medical conditions with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes being common.

Other clinical presentations

The data regarding how the tendency for thrombosis can present includes:

• Arterial events such as an increased incidence of strokes,
• acute limb ischemia,
• potentially heart attacks and
• microvascular clotting and even bleeding.

I have diabetes and symptoms of Covid-19. What should I do?

If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor and have some additional information ready for him/her.

• Your last glucose reading and more if possible
• Have your ketone reading available
• Be aware of your fluid consumption
• List all your symptoms
• Ask any questions to help better manage your diabetes

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you have a fever, cough, trouble breathing, or a combination of other Covid 19 symptoms, call your doctor or nurse. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, and about any recent travel, and if you’ve been in contact with others who have been diagnosed or have developed symptoms and might be sick. They’ll also ask you about your history, to rule out if your symptoms may be related to allergies, the flu, or other health conditions, and may have you get a test for the flu to rule it out.

If your symptoms aren’t severe, it’s best to call before you go in.

Many people with only mild symptoms should stay home and avoid other people until they get better. If your symptoms are severe or you’re very sick, you should go to the hospital or clinic. You should call ahead if you can to see if they have special precautions you should take and to let them be prepared for your arrival. Of course, if this is a medical emergency, you should call 9 1 1 for an ambulance.

Are Covid 19 Symptoms Different in Children?

While children can get Covid 19 , they are less likely to have severe symptoms. But this information and how it affects children is still largely unknown. More information about Covid 19 and children is still being developed as new types of cases and symptoms, while rare, are appearing around the world.

 

How Long do Symptoms Last?

For most people, symptoms fade within a few weeks. But in others, Covid 19 can lead to serious problems like pneumonia, not getting enough oxygen, heart problems, or even death. This is more common in older people or in those who have other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cancer, or obesity.

 

The symptoms of Covid 19 vary and typically show up about 4 or 5 days after a person is exposed and infected with the virus, but for others, it can take up to 2 weeks to show symptoms, if at all. Even a person who is infected but doesn’t have any symptoms can spread the virus to others.

When symptoms do happen, they can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling tired
• Shaking chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Problems with sense of smell or taste
• Some people have digestive problems like nausea or diarrhea.

 

What does Self Isolating Mean?

Self-isolation or quarantine is when you have symptoms or you’ve been exposed to the virus and you are trying to avoid spreading it to others, including those in your household.

When you self-isolate you are minimizing any and all interaction with others, staying at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others, and not touching surfaces or sharing items with them without cleaning and disinfecting them.

Here are some tips on how to self isolate (assuming you don’t need medical care)

• Have a large, well-ventilated area, ideally with a separate bathroom
• Don’t share a room with others. If that’s not possible, make sure the beds are at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
• Monitor your symptoms daily
• Remain in quarantine isolation for at least 14 days
• If you develop symptoms, especially any difficulty breathing, contact your doctor or medical professional immediately.
• Stay positive, stay connected via telephone or video chat as much as possible.
• Exercise, including breathing exercises.
• Talk during meal times, through doors or distance, to remain a part of the household.
• Use a mask whenever interacting with anyone else.
• Wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face.
• Clean and disinfect your surroundings and all your dishes, utensils, after using them.
• Don’t panic, and don’t stress out about not being productive. By isolating you are doing something incredibly valuable and selfless.

What if I feel fine but think I was exposed?

If you think you were in close contact with someone with Covid 19 , but you don't have any symptoms, you should self-quarantine at home for at least 14 days. This means staying home as much as possible, and staying at least 6 feet, 2 meters, away from other people in your home. Self-quarantine is slightly different from self-isolation, which is when a person who is sick stays in a completely separate room from others.

You should also monitor and track any symptoms. If you do start to have symptoms, call your doctor or nurse right away.

What should I do if my child has symptoms?

If your child has a fever, cough, or other symptoms of Covid 19, call their doctor or nurse. They can tell you what to do and whether your child needs to be seen in person.

If you’re taking care of your child at home, the doctor or nurse will tell you what symptoms to watch for. Some children with Covid 19 suddenly get worse after being sick for about a week. Stay in regular contact with your child’s doctor’s office to document and discuss the symptoms, and they’ll keep you up to date on any concerns, and when to call for emergency help. For example, you should call right away if your child:

• Has trouble breathing
• Has pain or pressure in their chest
• Has a rash
• Has blue lips or face
• Acts confused or not like themselves

If you have a baby that’s having trouble feeding normally, you should also call the doctor or nurse for advice.

Are there other symptoms of Covid 19 that children may get, or can Covid 19 lead to other problems in children?

This isn’t common, but it can happen. There have been rare reports of children with Covid 19 developing inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to organ damage if it is not treated quickly. It’s been referred to as "pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome" or "multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children." The symptoms can be similar to other conditions like "toxic shock syndrome" or "Kawasaki disease." Doctors don’t yet know if the virus that causes Covid 19 also causes Kawasaki disease in some children.

If you notice a rash on your child, especially if they’ve got other symptoms, such fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and feeling tired, you should contact your doctor right away.

Are Covid 19 symptoms different in children than adults?

In general, not really. Common symptoms include fever and cough. In more severe cases, people can develop pneumonia and have trouble breathing. Children with Covid 19 can have these symptoms too, but are less likely to get very sick.

Other symptoms both children and adults experience include: feeling very tired, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, or vomiting. Like adults, some children don’t have any symptoms at all.

For children who do get Covid 19, babies seem to be at higher risk for more serious breathing symptoms. Serious symptoms are also more common in people, including children, who have certain health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease (such as asthma that is not well controlled or cystic fibrosis), severe obesity, or cancer.