Just a month ago, many Americans believed that the worst had happened regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in recent weeks, significant increases in infection in some of the country’s most populous states have shown that we are just getting started. And, according to one of the country’s leading infectious disease experts, the potential outcome could be “apocalyptic.”
The country’s three most populous states, Texas, Florida and California, which are home to more than 27.4% of the population, are experiencing record cases of the highly infectious and life-threatening virus. CNN reports that Florida and Texas surpassed 5,000 new COVID-19 cases the day before, while California recorded more than 7,000.
Experts are particularly concerned about the state of the Lone Star, specifically the greater Houston area. The city, which recently saw an explosion of coronavirus cases, is on its way to becoming the new epicenter of the virus in the United States. Other cities, including Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, are also experiencing major surges, which could result in an epic number of deaths, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told CNN . Anderson Cooper.
It could be “apocalyptic”
“Large metropolitan areas appear to be increasing very rapidly and some of the models are about to be apocalyptic,” Dr. Hotez revealed, notingmodels he posted on his Twitter account demonstrating that Houston daily cases could quadruple by July 4, unless serious action is taken.
“That is really troubling and as those numbers increase, we are seeing proportional increases in the number of ICU hospitalizations and admissions,” he said. “You get to the point of overwhelming ICUs and that’s when mortality increases.”
In TwitterHe also added that time is of the essence. “Unless we intervene for the weekend, we will potentially face a humanitarian catastrophe over the summer,” he tweeted in a thread about the current situation in Texas.
More and more states see cases increase
Texas, California, and Florida are not the only states where the coronavirus curve is in a disturbing upward trend. At least 26 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah , Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming experienced an increase in cases compared to the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Slide show: 7 hidden signs that you have coronavirus (ETNT Health)
7 hidden signs that you have coronavirus
You are already on the lookout for the obvious symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath. But what if the signs that you have been infected with the virus are not as obvious as these big ones? the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) It constantly publishes new information about other symptoms that may be related to the virus.
Some of them are rare and isolated, while others are more common and are seen in the majority of COVID-19 patients. Learn about these 7 hidden symptoms that you may have coronavirus so you don’t miss the warning signs that you could be infected.
1. Divided headache
Splitting the headache could mean you’re a little dehydrated, but it could also be a sneaky sign that you have COVID-19. According to Dr. Lisa Lockerd Maragakis, MD, MPH From the Johns Hopkins Health System, a headache may be an early warning sign that you have already contracted the virus.
A mild headache may become more intense in the next five to seven days, and other more obvious symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and cough, may also begin to appear. If you have a mild headache that goes away, it may not be a red flag. However, if your headache increases in intensity and is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be coronavirus.
2. Loss of smell or taste.
If you suddenly can’t smell your morning coffee or taste the chocolate you’ve been saving for a gift, it could be a sign of coronavirus. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now it lists a loss of smell (called anosmia) and a loss of taste (called ageusia) as symptoms of the virus. A study published in the International Allergy and Rhinology Forum they found that seven out of 10 coronavirus patients reported a loss of taste and smell.
According to Stanford MedicineViruses attack our cranial nerves in our head and neck, which are related to odor. These viruses can also cause inflammation around the nerve and nasal lining, which can inhibit our sense of smell. These nerves are directly related to your sense of taste, so it is also affected by this inflammation and attack on the cranial nerves.
3. Gastrointestinal problems
Rather than focusing solely on your cough when determining if you have COVID-19, it is also important to consider your digestive system. If you have gastrointestinal problems, it could also be a sign that you have the virus.
A study published in Gastroenterology They examined 116 patients diagnosed with coronavirus and their symptoms. 31.9% of these patients had virus-related gastrointestinal problems, and most of them described these symptoms as mild. 22% experienced loss of appetite, 12% had diarrhea, and 22% had nausea and vomiting. If you have unexplained gastrointestinal problems, it may be a sign that you have been exposed to COVID-19.
4. Dizziness or fainting.
COVID-19 weakens your body and it is easy to become dehydrated when you work hard to fight a virus you don’t even know you have. When your body is busy and not getting the hydration it needs, dizziness can occur from standing up or passing out while walking. This hidden symptom is more likely to occur in elderly patients or those with other underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
According to Dr. Camille Vaughan from Emory University, “With many conditions, older adults don’t show up in a typical way, and we’re also seeing that with COVID-19.” Older bodies respond differently to infections and diseases, which may explain this hidden symptom of the virus.
5. Repeated shaking and chills
Body tremors and chills are a common symptom of many types of viruses and diseases, and are generally a telltale sign that you have a fever. Known as “rigor,” repeated tremors and chills occur when you have a virus like COVID-19 because your body is trying to regulate its temperature. Your body pushes blood towards your limbs to preserve its heat. To continue regulating his temperature, his muscles tremble as his body tries to generate heat.
According to Dr. Emily Spivak, MD from Utah University of Health, “Rigor is a sudden chill with chills accompanied by an increase in temperature. A true rigor is unlikely to occur without fever.” If you experience shaking and chills, take your temperature. If you have a fever, it is a sign that you have a virus and that virus could be COVID-19.
6. Urticaria or rash
If you are monitoring whether or not you have been infected with coronavirus, pay attention to your skin. According to Dr. Esther Freeman From Massachusetts General Hospital, it is common for viruses to cause skin irritation, hives, or rashes.
Viruses that cause measles or chicken pox are easily diagnosed due to rashes and irritations. While COVID-19 is not diagnosed solely by these rashes, it may be a sign that you have the virus. Check for other symptoms and call your doctor if you suspect COVID-19. Also, don’t worry. Dr. Freeman confirms that these rashes and irritations disappear permanently after recovering from the virus. That includes an irritation on the toes, called “WRONG toes.”
7. confusion
According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionIf you experience confusion or an inability to move suddenly, it is a COVID-19 emergency warning sign and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This symptom of the virus is more common in older patients, as their bodies may find it more difficult to fight the fever or inflammation they experience when they become infected.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined 40 patients who were admitted to hospital and were later diagnosed with coronavirus. Of these 40 patients, 26 reported or were observed experiencing confusion. If you feel disoriented, confused, or suddenly can’t move, it could be a hidden sign of COVID-19. Ask for immediate Medic assistance.
And to overcome this pandemic in the healthiest way, don’t miss these Things you should never do during the coronavirus pandemic.
8/8 SLIDES
To overcome this pandemic in the healthiest way, don’t miss these Things you should never do during the coronavirus pandemic.
