COVID-19 has affected the lives of millions of people around the world since late 2019. You can also be asymptomatic, meaning you have no symptoms but still are carrying the virus. With this in mind, a lot of people have been asking themselves if they have already had the virus because some of the symptoms are similar to the common cold. We’ve come up with a list of signs and symptoms that could indicate whether you may have already had COVID-19 without realizing it.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Unfortunately, there’s no way to be 100% certain whether the bad cold you developed last season was COVID-19, but here are some possible signs that you may have already had coronavirus.
- Cough – Do you have a cough that won’t go away? The CDC reported over 40% of people experienced a dry cough for weeks after having COVID.
- Fatigue – Fatigue is one of the biggest lingering effects after COVID-19.
- New loss of taste or smell – Loss of taste or smell is a hallmark symptom of COVID. While it’s possible to experience this with other respiratory illnesses, If you experienced this at any point, you may have had COVID-19.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing – Lasting inflammation in the lungs can be cause for shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Other symptoms that are all associated with COVID-19 include body aches, stuffy nose or runny nose, fever or chills, headache, and sore throat.
Testing for COVID-19
In addition to knowing the symptoms of COVID-19, you should know the various tests available for the virus. There are two forms of testing for COVID-19: a viral test or an antibody test. The viral test shows if you currently are carrying the virus. The antibody test shows any past exposure to COVID-19. An antibody test is not recommended to assess immunity after a COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to learn more about testing for COVID-19 and to find out where you can get tested at a testing site near you.
Please note that just because you may have had these symptoms, does not mean you had COVID-19. The only sure way of knowing is by undergoing testing specifically for the COVID-19 virus. If you believe you might have COVID-19, FREE testing is available at Arizona Clinical Trials. If you know that you have COVID-19, consider looking into clinical trials that may be an option.
Clinical trials are important for the future of overcoming COVID-19. Participating in a COVID-19 clinical allows you to be a part of history. Helping evaluate future treatments for COVID-19 is vital to improving the lives of those living with this virus. Are you interested in COVID-19 clinical trials or getting a free COVID-19 test? Learn more by clicking here.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/sure-signs-you-ve-already-had-covid#signs
