Fever and cough are not the only initial symptoms of COVID-19. What other symptoms does Wuhan pneumonia have besides fever and cough?

We all know that there have been many cases of pneumonia infection in Wuhan recently. It is currently a serious epidemic. Its initial symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, generally with fever, cough, etc. However, fever and cough are not the first symptoms of Wuhan pneumonia. Let's take a closer look!

Fever and cough are not the only initial symptoms of COVID-19

The "upgraded version" of the identification of patients with new coronary pneumonia in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University was released on January 24, reminding medical staff and the public to be highly vigilant against invisible sources of infection with non-respiratory symptoms as the first symptoms. Fever and cough are not the only first symptoms of new pneumonia. So far, many "atypical" cases have been found. A 45-year-old male patient did not have typical respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough when he was diagnosed. Some cases only have digestive system symptoms as the first manifestation: such as mild anorexia, fatigue, poor spirits, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.; with nervous system symptoms as the first manifestation: such as headache; with cardiovascular system symptoms as the first manifestation: such as palpitations, chest tightness, etc.; with ophthalmic symptoms as the first manifestation: such as conjunctivitis; only mild limbs or back muscle soreness. The research team reminded that the public should realize that "early prevention, early detection, early diagnosis, early isolation, and early treatment" are the key to preventing and treating new coronary pneumonia. We must further enhance our awareness of protection in our daily lives. We must wear masks when going out and avoid going to crowded public places. We especially emphasize reducing family gatherings. We must wash our hands and face frequently, and disinfect our mobile phones and public computer keyboards regularly. We must learn the correct way to cough and sneeze, and spitting is strictly prohibited. We must not throw used masks around, but put them in a sealed garbage bag for disposal.

What symptoms should patients with fever be suspected of infection?

This new coronavirus pneumonia is a new type of coronavirus pneumonia. People generally lack immunity to this virus and are susceptible to it. If they are exposed to a large number of viruses or if the patient has poor immune function, they are very likely to be infected.

Based on previous diagnosis and treatment experience, patients with a history of travel or residence in Wuhan within 2 weeks before onset of illness; or contact with patients with fever and respiratory symptoms from Wuhan within 14 days before onset of illness, or clustered outbreaks; patients with fever and radiological features of pneumonia; normal or decreased total white blood cell count or decreased lymphocyte count in the early stage of the disease can be judged as suspected cases.

On the basis of meeting the criteria for suspected cases, the diagnosis can be confirmed by testing sputum, throat swabs, lower respiratory tract secretions and other specimens for positive 2019-nCoV nucleic acid through real-time fluorescence RT-PCR.

All suspected cases need to be isolated on site. For patients with mild symptoms, they can be isolated and observed in an outpatient clinic or at home. All patients who go home for observation should be required to return to the designated hospital for centralized treatment immediately if any symptoms of disease deterioration occur. Severe and critical cases require hospitalization.

How to prevent new coronavirus pneumonia

First, wash your hands frequently, including before meals, after defecation, when your hands are dirty, and after coughing or sneezing; before, during, and after preparing food, when caring for patients, and after handling animals or animal excrement; immediately wash your hands with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer or clean water;

Please pay special attention here. Use soap/hand sanitizer and water to scrub for 20 seconds or more to truly achieve protection.

Second, take proactive measures to protect yourself. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose completely with a tissue, sleeve, or bent elbow. Immediately throw the used tissue into a closed trash can and wash your hands in time. Wear a mask when going out. Avoid close contact with patients without protection. Keep windows open at home and in the workplace for ventilation and a clean environment.

Third, avoid close contact with farmed or wild animals without protection; avoid contact with sick animals and spoiled meat; avoid contact with stray animals, garbage and wastewater in fresh food markets;

Fourth, develop good and safe eating habits. Cook meat and eggs thoroughly before eating, wash hands between handling raw and cooked food, and keep cutting boards and knives separate.

Related News

According to the website of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in order to provide support for the prevention and control of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus and to give full play to the scientific and technological resource sharing service function of the National Pathogen Resource Bank, on January 24, the National Pathogen Resource Bank released important authoritative information for the first time in my country, including information on the first virus strain successfully isolated by the Institute of Viral Disease Prevention and Control of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and its electron microscope photos, primers and probe sequences for nucleic acid detection of the new coronavirus, and other important authoritative information released in China for the first time, and provided sharing services.