Signs You've Already Had COVID-19 Now
In March 2020, The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and in that time frame an estimated 140 Americans have had COVID the Washington Post reports and there's been 975.515 to date according to the New York Times. There's still so much to be learned about COVID, but one thing is clear, the virus affects everyone differently. Some people will experience severe symptoms while others will have a very mild case or no symptoms at all. While it's impossible to know if you've been infected without seeing a physician or getting tested, there are signs you've had it. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who explain what symptoms reveal you've had the virus and why COVID is likely to surge again. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Brain Fog
Dr. Ramzi Yacoub (PharmD), SingleCare Chief Pharmacy Officer says, "If you're experiencing brain fog and the inability to concentrate, it may be a sign you already had COVID. Cognitive slowing and mood problems after a person is infected with the coronavirus are much more prevalent than other viral infections."
Bad Cold
According to Dr. Yacoub, "While it's not uncommon to get a cold every winter, if it was around for 2 weeks or longer it might have been COVID. While a cold typically lasts only a few days, COVID cold-like symptoms can manifest for much longer, causing a fever and making it hard to breathe."
Tiredness / Fatigue
Dr. Yacoub explains, "Another common symptom of COVID-19 is ongoing fatigue. Many patients report chronic tiredness and the feeling of waking every morning feeling like they never slept, even six months after potential exposure."
Get the Right Test
Dr. Kunal Gurav, M.D., FACC, MBA, ChenMed Medical Director of Cardiology and Regional Chief Clinical Officer for Dedicated Senior Medical Centers in Missouri and Tennessee explains, "Antibody tests are unreliable and there's no clear data about what level of antibodies are considered "protective". The best way is to do an antigen test or RT-PCR when you are exposed or symptomatic. Vaccines offer more reliable protection than natural infection."
Why COVID is Likely to Surge Again
Erica Susky, an Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) in hospital epidemiology states "COVID-19 has so far occurred in surges either when a newer Variant of Concern (VOC) emerged or when public health restrictions eased and more people congregated. It is hard to predict when and if a new VOC will occur but viruses, as all living things, will evolve and another variant will likely occur. What will likely imminently drive another increase in COVID-19 cases is a relaxing of public health restrictions. As more people go without masks and congregate, there are more opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 to spread from person to person."
How to Stay Safe Out There
Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
