Coronavirus has launched a fusillade of attacks on humanity this year, evidenced by the global death toll, which is in touching distance of 800,000 by official estimates. Symptoms act as a paper trail for scientists to document the destructive impact COVID-19 has on the body. This has led them to some surprising findings along the way.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease so symptoms related to the lungs were to be expected.
As the NHS explains, the main symptoms are loss of smell, a new, continuous cough and a high temperature – common characteristics of a respiratory infection.
What has raised eyebrows is the symptoms not automatically associated with respiratory problems.
A number of disconcerting digestive symptoms have come out of the woodwork, for example.
According to a study published by researchers in Beijing, four to 13.7 percent of infected individuals experienced gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
GI bleeding is any type of bleeding that starts in your GI tract, also called your digestive tract.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIH), symptoms of GI bleeding may include black or tarry stools.
Other GI symptoms include:
- Bright red blood in vomit
- Cramps in the abdomen
- Dark or bright red blood mixed with stool
- Dizziness or faintness
- Feeling tired
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Weakness
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The same study also found that one to 29.4 percent of people experienced nausea and 2.2 to six percent experienced abdominal pain.
To gather their findings, the researchers analysed all the COVID-19 clinical studies and case reports related to digestive issues published between December 2019 and February 2020.
Other lesser-known warning signs
People with COVID-19 are also experiencing neurological symptoms and these may occur with or without respiratory symptoms, according to Harvard Health.
For example, COVID-19 affects brain function in some people, explains the health body.
“Specific neurological symptoms seen in people with COVID-19 include loss of smell, inability to taste, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, dizziness, confusion, delirium, seizures, and stroke,” it adds.
What should I do if I recognise the symptoms?
“If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result,” advises the NHS.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result, says the health body.
A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can meet people from one other household.
Can I treat my symptoms while I await my result?
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you recover.
If you have a high temperature, the NHS says it can help to:
- Get lots of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
It is worth noting that there have been some news reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making coronavirus worse.
The Commission on Human Medicines has now confirmed there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature makes coronavirus worse.
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