Researchers say there are six different ‘types’ of COVID-19

Researchers have determined that there are six different “types” of COVID-19, all of which have varying degrees of symptoms and severity, according to a study by King’s College London.

While the finding may seem daunting, the study findings could actually help doctors predict earlier which patients are most at risk and likely to be hospitalized, compared to others who may not have severe symptoms.

Typically, the three key symptoms of the coronavirus include cough, fever, and loss of smell, according to a CBS News report.

However, the study data indicates that COVID-19 symptoms can also range from headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, diarrhea, confusion, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and more.

“These findings have important implications for the care and monitoring of people who are most vulnerable to severe COVID-19,” Dr. Claire Steves of King’s College London said in a statement. “If you can predict who these people are on the fifth day, you have time to provide them with support and early interventions, such as monitoring blood sugar and oxygen levels, and making sure they are properly hydrated: simple care that could be provided in the home, avoiding hospitalizations and saving lives. “

According to the study, researchers have identified six different groups of COVID-19 symptoms, as listed below.

1. Flu without fever: Headache, loss of smell, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, chest pain, no fever.
2. Flu with fever: Headache, loss of smell, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, fever, loss of appetite
3. Gastrointestinal: Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, Diarrhea, sore throat, chest pain, no cough.
4. Level one severe, fatigue: Headache, loss of smell, cough, fever, hoarseness, chest pain, fatigue.
5. Severe level two, confusion: Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, cough, fever, hoarseness, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, Muscle pain.
6. Three severe level, abdominal and respiratory: Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, cough, fever, hoarseness, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

The discovery of these six different sets of COVID-19 symptoms was developed after the researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze the data they received from approximately 1,600 users in the UK and the United States with confirmed COVID-19.

According to the study, each user regularly recorded their symptoms using the app in March and April.

The researchers said that only 1.5% of patients with group 1, 4.4% of people with group 2, and 3.3% of people with group 3 needed respiratory help. While, 8.6%, 9.9% and 19.8% for groups 4, 5 and 6 were reported, respectively.

According to the study, almost half of the patients in group 6 ended up in the hospital, compared to only 16% in group 1.

To read the full study, click here.

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