6 Different Ways COVID-19 Could Affect You

COVID-19 cases have passed the 18 million mark worldwide and there are still many things that are still unknown about the spread of the viral infection. Because it is a new coronavirus, scientists are still trying to figure out why the infection affects people differently. While many tend to suffer from a milder form of infection, some belonging to higher risk categories carry a more serious risk, while others tend to be asymptomatic. However, the same strain of the virus can leave a lasting impact on people, even after they have recovered.

While we are still fighting the increase and could adapt and learn to live with the virus, a recent study by King’s College, London found that despite the fact that there is only one virus that is wreaking havoc on the world.In addition, there are six types different from infections observed in people.

* Flu-like infection without fever

Named the mildest form of infection, the first group suffered symptoms due to problems in the upper respiratory tract, caused by an increased viral load. People who suffered from this form of infection reported symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, stuffy nose, chest pain, muscle pain, loss of smell, and headache. Fever was absent in its infection phase.

* Flu-like infection with the presence of fever

Slightly more cumbersome than the first group, patients in this category testified to symptoms of a mild flu-like infection, as well as the presence of persistent fever and loss of appetite. Hoarseness in the voice, which is characteristic of a dry cough or “COVID” cough was also observed in this group.

* Gastrointestinal infection

Patients belonging to this group suffered symptoms that affected their digestion and gastrointestinal function. Although cough was not a prominent symptom in this group, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea were observed much more frequently. Headache and chest pain were also observed.

* Severe level 1, with fatigue

Symptoms observed in this group of infection related to loss of energy, exhaustion caused by immunity slow down. Considered a warning sign for severe COVID-19, patients in this category reported symptoms such as fatigue, headache, loss of smell and taste, sore throat, fever, and chest pain.

* Severe level 2, with confusion

More severe than level 1, the type of symptoms in this group affected nervous functioning and is considered to be the beginning of the lasting impact COVID could have on the brain. Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, cough, fever, hoarseness, confusion, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, muscle pain were commonly observed in this category.

* Severe level 3, with abdominal and respiratory difficulties

This is the most alarming and serious type of symptoms that occurs in people in the first weeks. When experiencing symptoms such as confusion, sore throat, chronic fever, loss of appetite, headache, diarrhea, shortness of breath, muscle and abdominal pain, people in this group were much more likely to be hospitalized, requiring ventilation, and oxygen.