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Ronald Januchowski, DO, FACOFP, Editor • Paula Gregory, DO, MBA, CHCQM, FAIHQ, Health Literacy Editor
SARS-CoV-2 (also known as COVID-19 or novel coronavirus) is a respiratory infection like influenza or the common cold. What makes COVID-19 worrisome is how easily the virus moves from person-to-person and the effect it has on all people, healthy and sick, young and old alike. There are some common symptoms of COVID-19, but as more is discovered about the virus, the presenting symptoms of COVID-19 continue to grow.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms generally appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Most people who catch the virus develop symptoms within 11 days of infection. However, some people may not produce any symptoms but may still be infected with the virus. The bolded symptoms below are ones that appear to be the most unique to COVID-19.
EARLY OR MILD SYMPTOMS
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F)
Shaking
Chills
Dry or productive cough
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Muscle pain
Headache
Diarrhea
Loss of taste
Loss of smell
Flat/spotted/smeared red or blistering rash of the abdomen, back, hands and/or feet
LATE OR SEVERE SYMPTOMS
Chest pain
Confusion or inability to stay awake
Blue skin or blue lip color
Shortness of breath
If you develop any of the above symptoms, even if you haven’t been around someone with COVID-19, call your osteopathic family physician to talk about whether or not you should come into the office.
SOURCE(S): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, Medscape, National Public Radio
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The PDF of this patient education handout is available for easy download and distribution to your patients at www.acofp.org/PEH.
The Osteopathic Family Physician Patient Handout is a public service of the ACOFP. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in many instances; however, they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis by a physician. For specific information concerning your medical condition, ACOFP suggests that you consult your family physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other healthcare professionals to share with their patients.