What are the signs and symptoms?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 have been described by the scientific community, which vary according to severity. Symptoms range from the absence of symptoms (commonly referred to as asymptomatic) to fever (temperature ≥ 38.0°C), cough, sore throat, tiredness and muscle pain and, in more severe cases, severe pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, septicemia, septic shock and eventual death.
Data show that the worsening of the clinical situation can occur quickly, usually during the second week of the illness.
Recently, anosmia (loss of smell) and, in some cases, loss of taste have also been observed.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. Children generally show milder symptoms and seem to register, in proportion, fewer cases of illness. Symptoms reported in children are initially identical to colds, such as fever, runny nose and cough. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea were also reported. It remains to be seen whether some children may be at increased risk for serious illnesses, for example children with underlying medical conditions and special health care needs. There is much more to learn about how the disease affects children and investigations are underway in this regard.
Faced with these symptoms, it is essential that people adopt enhanced precautions and contact health services, preferably through the NHS 24 (808 24 24 24) or other lines, within the scope of primary health care, created for this purpose. The vast majority of people with SARSCoV-2 infection do not require hospitalization. If they present a mild and stable clinical condition, and are able to stay at home, they may be accompanied by the health team at home, whether from the person's home, a public or social solidarity institution.