Gone are the days when a fever was a sure sign of Covid. As the virus mutates and infections rise again, Covid symptoms vary widely from person to person.
As the nation enters yet another summer Covid wave, doctors say it’s nearly impossible to diagnose a person with the illness based on symptoms alone. “Every week, we test someone for Covid who I didn’t think had it who tests positive. Then we have others who I’m pretty sure have Covid who test negative,” said Dr. Steven Furr, a family physician in Jackson, Alabama, and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Covid symptoms have become increasingly diverse, and many are similar to those of other illnesses. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may resemble the flu or a cold. For some, the hallmark fever and shortness of breath may not even appear, while others may experience more severe respiratory issues. The appearance of new variants also means that Covid presents in different ways, making it difficult for doctors to confidently diagnose based solely on symptoms.
With Covid’s wide range of possible signs, testing is the only reliable method for confirmation. While at-home tests are available and can provide quick results, a negative test result does not always rule out the infection, especially if symptoms are present. In such cases, doctors may recommend a follow-up test or a PCR test, which can provide more accurate results.
As the virus mutates and new strains emerge, experts caution that the best course of action remains testing. Especially as infections rise again, it’s essential for individuals to get tested if they experience symptoms, even if they seem mild or resemble those of other respiratory infections.
In addition to testing, doctors urge individuals to remain vigilant about general precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, especially for those who are more vulnerable or at higher risk of severe illness. Though Covid may present differently from person to person, testing remains the key to understanding whether one is infected and whether isolation or treatment is needed.
Ultimately, while symptoms alone can’t tell you for sure if you have Covid, early testing and preventive measures are your best line of defense during this new wave.
