Know the difference between mild and severe Covid-19 symptoms

Even though the Covid-19 cases might be decreasing now, there are always chances to contract the virus. As new cases are being reported every day it is important for one to recognise the symptoms and emerging warning signs. A person must learn to differentiate between mild, moderate and severe symptoms.

How can you differentiate your symptoms right now?

On the first day, most people have similar symptoms which makes it difficult for one to know what and when the infection is severe. With the mutation of the virus, new and unusual symptoms have also been found. Thus, knowing how mild or severe the symptoms are can make a lot of difference in the battle against Covid.

Mild symptoms 

Most cases of Covid-19 are mild in nature. Purple who suffer from mild infection can tend to isolate themselves at home. According to the doctors, 80% of cases are mild.

Most people having mild symptoms recover at home with basic treatment and do not require hospitalisation.

The common symptoms of the disease can begin with respiratory, viral or flu-like infection. But, covid signs can be harder to recognised and they have a long term effect on the body.

Even if the infection is mild, you can still have marks on the body and may take time to recover. 1 in 5 people who suffer from mild Covid-19 feels week even after they are tested negative.

The common symptoms are dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, a low-grade fever and chills, acute tiredness or fatigue, loss of smell and taste, aches, pains and headaches, diarrhoea, cause and/or vomiting.

People can also have pink eye, tinnitus, and a dry mouth which are the new symptoms now.

A person with mild infection can or cannot have all these symptoms. The intensity and duration of the symptoms vary. The duration of these symptoms can actually indicate the severity of the infection.

Here’s what happens in a severe infection.

Severe Covid-19 cases are often fueled by underlying causes such as age factor, comorbidity risk. These risks include diabetes, high cholesterol levels, kidney failure, poor immunity, obesity, chronic respiratory issues and old age.

People suffering from severe infection are required to be hospitalised.

The symptoms of those with severe Covid-19 can be more. Their intensity and duration will also be higher and thus, it will be comparatively difficult to battle the infection. The person may also be at a higher risk of complications.

Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, the person is likely to face upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms such as fluctuating oxygen levels, chest pain, skin irritation,  rashes, shortness of breath, chronic gut inflammation, digestive symptoms, determination in viral stats, delirium, confusion, increased risk of seizures and stroke and heightened risk of blood clots.

These symptoms can emerge in the beginning or show themselves gradually.

Are there specific days to track your recovery?

Usually, a person with Covid recovers within 14 days and this is known as the incubation period. But, there are days which need special attention. People recovering from the infection should track their day 1,3,5,7 and 10 and make a note of the severity of the symptoms during these days.

If the symptoms do not get better by day 5, there are chances of furthering the worsening of the infection.

What to do if the mild symptoms become worse?

In most cases, the symptoms can get worse or new symptoms can emerge.

If the condition does not improve by day 5 and instead, turns out to be worse, then you might need medical assistance. Some of the symptoms which require hospitalisation are bluish discolouration of the lips, dip in oxygen saturation level below 90, a fever that doesn’t do down, pneumonia-like signs, dyspnea, hypoxia, difficulty in comprehension and carrying out daily tasks, fluctuating heart rate, difficulty in passing bowel movements and extreme loss of appetite.

Is there any difference between severe and critical Covid cases?

There can be cases in which people can be critical if they are at risk or already have severe Covid.

Few patients who suffer from severe Covid can develop ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). In this, air sacs become inflamed and fluid builds up, making it difficult for the system to do its job.

People with critical Covid are very unwell and are treated in intensive care units. They can suffer from life-threatening complications such as severe sepsis. It is should be remembered that both severe and critical cases of Covid-19 need to be treated in hospitals but, the intensity of critical Covid is much higher and need ventilator support.