What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus, which emerged in the last months of 2019 in Wuhan, China, has been a cause of concern for many people, especially health authorities, as it affects the health of a large number of individuals. This new type of coronavirus has been named Covid-19. Since its emergence, intensive efforts have been made to understand and control the virus. Over the past two years, Covid-19 has caused the deaths of many individuals, and today, various types of vaccines have been developed using different methods to combat the virus. However, like other living organisms, viruses also try to survive. Since the early days of the Covid-19 virus, numerous mutations have occurred, and these mutations have led to a decrease in the effectiveness of vaccines. New variants, such as Omicron and Delta, as well as information regarding the effectiveness of vaccines against these variants, are explained in detail in our article.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause infections in both humans and animals. Some types of coronaviruses cause mild upper respiratory illnesses in humans, while viruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV can lead to more severe respiratory diseases. In late 2019, a new coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China. Since then, this virus has spread to many other countries around the world. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a respiratory illness known as COVID-19. Covid-19 presents symptoms due to potentially serious complications such as difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread worldwide. The most common symptoms of the coronavirus, which is transmitted from person to person via droplets, are as follows:

• Cough
• High fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Loss of taste and smell
• Shortness of breath

While these are the common symptoms, less common symptoms can also occur in some cases:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Changes in color in the fingers and toes
• Skin rashes

What is the Delta Variant?

Viruses are living organisms that, like all living things, undergo changes. One of the main reasons for these changes is the virus's effort to survive. Sometimes, these changes can positively affect the course of the outbreak, but in other cases, they can cause the virus to spread more rapidly and become more deadly. The novel coronavirus has undergone numerous changes since its first appearance. Significant changes in the virus's genetic sequence are called mutations. Some mutations result in variants, which are viruses with significantly different genetic sequences from the original virus. To avoid confusion worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variants using letters from the Greek alphabet. The first known variant of COVID-19, the Alpha variant, emerged in the UK in the last months of 2020. The Beta variant emerged in South Africa, the Gamma variant in Brazil, the Delta variant in India, and the Omicron variant emerged in South Africa.

What Are the Symptoms of the Delta Variant?

The Delta and Omicron variants have been widely spread, and their effects are still felt today. In India, the rapid rise in cases has been attributed to the Delta variant. The Delta variant quickly spread to more than 80 countries and is highly contagious. Changes in the spike proteins of the virus have resulted in an increase in the binding rate to ACE receptors. As a result, even though the transmission of the Delta variant still occurs via droplets, it is reported that the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant may be different from those of other variants, and some patients may experience more severe conditions. The symptoms of the Delta variant include:

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Persistent fever
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath

What is the Omicron Variant?

The Omicron variant was first shared with the public by South African authorities in the last months of 2022, leading to the assumption that the variant originated in South Africa. The rapid rise in cases in South Africa was attributed to the Omicron variant, and the World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries to increase their precautions in response to the Omicron variant, which it classified as a "variant of concern." The Omicron variant is also transmitted through inhalation of droplets from infected individuals. It is the variant with the most mutations detected in the virus's genetic sequence. Most of these mutations occur in the protrusions that help the virus attach to cells, resulting in a significant increase in the virus's transmission rate.

What Are the Symptoms of the Omicron Virus?

The symptoms of the Omicron variant resemble those of the common cold. While the initial cases of COVID-19 primarily reported loss of taste and smell, patients infected with the Omicron variant exhibit symptoms more similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and headache.

This can lead to patients avoiding tests and spreading the virus to more people. Studies have shown that the Omicron variant does not increase the severity of the disease. However, the biggest concern about this new variant is its very rapid spread. The high transmission rate of the Omicron variant can cause more severe disease in people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.

What is the Difference Between the Delta and Omicron Variants?

The mutations of the Omicron and Delta variants are quite different from each other. Mutations in viruses occur in the spike protein of the virus. The Omicron variant is known to have about 50 different mutations, most of which are in the spike protein of the virus. This has contributed to the rapid spread of the virus. As viruses mutate, the transmission rate and the symptoms observed in infected individuals also change.

Initially, COVID-19 mostly affected older adults and those with chronic conditions, but experts report that the Omicron variant also affects children and young populations. There may be some differences in the symptoms of the Delta and Omicron variants. Infected individuals with the Delta variant commonly experience symptoms like fever, cough, and loss of taste and smell, whereas the most common symptoms of the Omicron variant resemble cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, and sneezing. Although coughing is also present in the Omicron variant, it is less intense than in patients infected with the Delta variant.

What is the Effect of Vaccines on Coronavirus Variants?

Patients infected with the coronavirus are treated using various methods. Recently approved medications are also available, one of which has already been introduced in our country and is used for individuals with chronic diseases and those aged 65 and above. However, the most important form of protection is not getting sick at all. As a result, scientists have worked tirelessly since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, developing vaccines using various methods, and these vaccines, which have been proven effective against the virus, are now available for use. These vaccines, developed at an unprecedented speed, have prevented many people from needing hospitalization or losing their lives due to the virus.

The first COVID-19 vaccines were inactivated vaccines, which contained a weakened form of the virus, such as the Sinovac vaccine. Another widely used type of vaccine is the mRNA vaccines, developed using new technologies, such as the BioNTech mRNA vaccine. These vaccines have significantly reduced virus-related mortality rates. However, with the emergence of new variants, scientists are concerned about the effectiveness of the vaccines against these variants. While there has been no significant decrease in the effectiveness of vaccines against the Delta variant, it has been observed that the Omicron variant can evade existing vaccines more easily and that the vaccines may be less effective against this new variant. As a result, many countries have recommended that individuals who received their second vaccine dose more than three months ago should get a third booster shot.

The spike proteins on the surface of viruses help them bind to cells. Through vaccines, the immune system learns to recognize these spike proteins and produces antibodies to protect individuals from severe disease. However, since the vaccines were developed based on the original form of the virus, the Omicron variant has a higher likelihood of evading these vaccines. Nevertheless, it is not accurate to say that the vaccines are completely ineffective against Omicron. Current vaccines are still highly effective in preventing severe illness.

Although the Omicron variant has a lower rate of causing severe illness compared to other variants, it can lead to severe outcomes, including death, in individuals who have not completed their vaccination, or in those with chronic health conditions. Therefore, it is important to continue to take precautions, maintain mask-wearing, social distancing, hygiene measures, and complete the vaccination schedule, just as we have done since the early days of the pandemic. For effective protection against Omicron, individuals who received their second vaccine dose more than three months ago are recommended to receive the third dose.

Who Is at Risk?

Individuals over the age of 65, those with chronic illnesses, and people with obesity are at higher risk. Those with the following conditions should take extra precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19:

• Cancer
• Severe heart conditions like heart failure or coronary artery disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Type 2 diabetes

However, it is not only those in high-risk groups who should adhere to protective measures. Everyone should follow these preventive guidelines.

How do you distinguish between the Flu and Coronavirus?

Although both viruses share common symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, joint pain, and headache, they can differ in other symptoms.

Unlike the flu, COVID-19 may also show more prominent symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of smell and taste, concentration problems, and confusion. When these symptoms appear, it is important to visit a healthcare facility to get tested and determine whether the illness is the flu or COVID-19. Especially if there are severe symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and severe headache, one should visit the emergency department of a hospital without delay.

What are the treatment methods for Coronavirus?

Currently, in Turkey, antiviral drugs containing favipiravir are being used to treat COVID-19. Additionally, pain relievers, fever reducers, and vitamin supplements are administered to alleviate symptoms. If the patient develops breathing difficulties, treatments such as oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, anti-cytokine drugs, plasma therapy, and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) are applied, along with hospital monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus

Does COVID-19 cause acute respiratory failure?
In severe cases, “ARDS” (acute respiratory distress syndrome), or lung insufficiency, may occur. These patients are monitored while connected to artificial ventilation devices.

Can a mother with COVID-19 breastfeed her child?
While using an antiviral medication containing favipiravir, breastfeeding is not recommended. After the medication is stopped, the mother can breastfeed, ensuring she practices mask-wearing and hand hygiene.

How should people infected with Coronavirus eat?
There are no special dietary recommendations, but it is important to maintain a healthy diet, focusing on vegetables and protein, avoiding sugar, and staying hydrated.

Can someone get infected with Coronavirus again after recovering?
Yes, although rare, it is possible for individuals who have been infected with Coronavirus to contract it again. Therefore, mask-wearing, maintaining physical distance, and hygiene protocols should be followed until the pandemic is completely over.

When does the loss of taste and smell in COVID-19 go away?
The loss of taste and smell usually resolves within 5 days to 6 months, although in some patients, the loss of smell can be permanent.

How much protection do masks provide against Coronavirus? Why is it sometimes still possible to get infected even after taking precautions?
Masks can provide over 90% protection if both the wearer and the person they interact with use them correctly. Proper use involves fully covering the mouth and nose, not touching the mask, removing it by the straps, and disposing of used masks properly.

How long does a Coronavirus fever last?
The duration of fever varies from patient to patient. In some cases, it resolves in 2 days, while in others, fever might not appear at first and could start between 5-7 days. These individuals should seek medical attention immediately.

How can we distinguish between COVID-19 and the flu?
Other respiratory viruses, like the flu, spread similarly to Coronavirus, mainly through droplets from sneezing, coughing, or even talking. The virus can spread if droplets are inhaled by another person or if a person touches a contaminated surface and then their face. If symptoms appear, a test should be done to determine whether it's the flu or COVID-19.

How long does it take for Coronavirus symptoms to appear?
Symptoms typically appear 4-5 days after exposure to the virus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in children?
While some children may show no symptoms, others may experience fever, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath.

Is it dangerous to contract Coronavirus during pregnancy?
Yes, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, COVID-19 can pose risks. Pregnant women should follow protective measures more carefully, avoid crowded places, and ensure their family members also adhere to hygiene and mask-wearing protocols.

Can Coronavirus be transmitted sexually?
If both individuals violate the social distancing rule and have close contact, the virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, the risk of transmission during close contact is high.

Can Coronavirus cause back pain?
It can cause muscle and joint pain throughout the body, including the back.

Can Coronavirus be transmitted through cigarette smoke?
Yes, it can, as cigarette smoke contains droplets that can travel further distances. Moreover, COVID-19 may progress more severely in smokers.

Does COVID-19 cause acute liver failure?
Liver tests may show elevated levels due to medications during the illness, but these return to normal once the medication is stopped.

Can Coronavirus harm the baby during pregnancy?
There is no conclusive information, but it is believed that if the mother recovers, the baby will not be affected. Due to the possibility of more severe illness in pregnant women and some medications being unsafe during pregnancy, strict adherence to protective measures is essential for pregnant women and their families.