COVID-19 history and symptoms

For COVID-19 frequently asked inpatient questions, click here
For COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sabawoon Mirwais, M.B.B.S, M.D.[2] Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [3]

History of patients infected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can include international travel to where COVID-19 is highly prevalent. The most common symptoms that can appear 2 – 14 days after exposure include fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

The Cochrane Collaboration has reviewed both the History and Symptoms | Physical Examination^[1].

• History of patients infected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can include international travel to where COVID-19 is highly prevalent.
• In the wake of recent developments, and the declaration of COVID-19 to be a pandemic, the above-mentioned condition is actively evolving.
• History should also be focused on the possible exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 patient.
• In case of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, thorough and extensive history regarding the close contacts and recent exposure to other healthy/diseased individuals should be taken. Such measures can help in tracking down potential asymptomatic patients.
• To read about the clinical prediction rules for the diagnosis of COVID-19, click here.

The following symptoms typically develop within 5 or 6 days but can range from 2 – 14 days after exposure.^{[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]} Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sinus pain
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Body aches
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal secretion
• Headache

Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include:^{[10][8][11][12]}

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Diminished or lack of sense of smell
• Conjunctivitis
• Loss of taste sensation
• Skin rash
• Discolouration of fingers and toes