THERE are many symptoms of COVID-19.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “people with these symptoms may have COVID-19”: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and diarrhea.
“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” the CDC says. “Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and fatigue.
It says other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include: loss of taste or smell; nasal congestion; conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes); sore throat; headache; muscle or joint pain; different types of skin rash; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea; chills or dizziness.
Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include: shortness of breath; loss of appetite; confusion; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; and high temperature (above 38 °C).
Other less common symptoms are: irritability; confusion; reduced consciousness (sometimes associated with seizures); anxiety; depression; and sleep disorders.
More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium and nerve damage are also symptoms, according to WHO.
People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical care immediately, the United Nations health agency advices.
“If possible, call your health care provider, hotline or health facility first, so you can be directed to the right clinic.”
Other information we have comes across indicates that symptoms may involve oral health as well.
Dry mouth and loss of taste and smell are two symptoms reported by many patients. Sometimes these are the first and only symptoms.
Some COVID-19 patients report hyper or excessive salivation. It can lead to angular cheilitis or the inflammation of the corners of the mouth. This happens when the enzymes in excess saliva irritate the skin.
Bad breath is another symptom reported by COVID patients.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes the pandemic may affect the surface of the tongue and the chemicals in saliva. They may lead to the development of halitosis or bad breath.
(We have written in a previous column how wearing a face mask may cause people to breathe through the mouth. It may cause bad breath. Medication for COVID-19 can also lead to halitosis.)
Many COVID-positive patients have been diagnosed with oral ulcers. Rash had been observed on the upper palate of their mouth.
Deep pockets in the gums are ideal places for the COVID virus to thrive.
Gum disease and the inflammation it causes may worsen COVID symptoms. It can also damage the lung tissue as well as the blood vessels.
Damage to the lungs and blood vessels lessen the oxygen intake and may worsen COVID 19 symptoms.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
