As the summer months unfold, it’s important to remain vigilant about the ongoing threat of COVID-19, especially during potential surges. Here are 11 top COVID symptoms to be aware of.
- Fever
A persistent or high fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. During the summer, it can be easy to mistake a fever for heat exhaustion or dehydration, but if you have a fever that doesn’t subside with rest and hydration, it could be a sign of COVID. - Cough
A dry cough is another hallmark symptom. It can range from a mild tickle in the throat to a persistent hacking cough. In the summer, people may attribute a cough to allergies or respiratory irritation from environmental factors, but it’s important to consider COVID as a possible cause. - Shortness of breath
This can be a particularly concerning symptom. If you find yourself breathing more rapidly than usual or experiencing difficulty catching your breath, especially after minimal exertion, it could indicate COVID. Summer activities may make it more challenging to distinguish between normal exertion-related breathlessness and COVID-induced shortness of breath. - Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired or lacking energy is a common symptom that can be easily overlooked in the summer when people might attribute it to being outdoors in the heat or engaging in more physical activities. However, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest could be a sign of COVID. - Loss of taste and smell
This remains a significant symptom. Suddenly losing the ability to taste or smell food and beverages can be an early indication of COVID. In the summer, with the abundance of flavors and scents outdoors, it might be more noticeable if these senses are diminished. - Headache
A headache can occur with many illnesses, but it can also be a symptom of COVID. In the summer heat, headaches might be attributed to dehydration or sun exposure, but if accompanied by other symptoms, it should raise suspicion for COVID. - Muscle aches
Generalized muscle pain or soreness can be a sign of COVID. After a day of summer activities like hiking or swimming, it might be hard to tell if the muscle aches are due to exertion or the virus. However, if the aches are severe and persistent, it’s important to consider COVID. - Sore throat
A sore throat can be mistaken for a summer cold or allergies. But if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be COVID. Drinking plenty of fluids and using lozenges might not relieve a COVID-induced sore throat. - Nausea and vomiting
Although less common, some people with COVID experience digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In the summer, these symptoms could be attributed to food poisoning or heat-related illness, but they should be evaluated in the context of other possible COVID symptoms. - Diarrhea
Similar to nausea and vomiting, diarrhea can occur in some COVID cases. During the summer, it might be mistaken for foodborne illnesses or heat stress. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of COVID. - Rash
In some cases, people with COVID develop a rash. This can be easily overlooked in the summer when skin rashes might be attributed to insect bites, sun exposure, or allergic reactions. However, if a rash appears along with other symptoms, it should be considered as a possible sign of COVID.
In conclusion, during the summer surge of COVID-19, it’s crucial to be aware of these 11 symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID or have been in a high-risk environment, it’s important to get tested and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others. Stay informed, practice good hygiene, wear masks when appropriate, and maintain social distancing to help reduce the spread of the virus.
