As the new SARS-CoV-2 strain (EG.5) continues to affect our communities, it’s important to understand the changing ways in which its symptoms affect us. One question that has remained prevalent through the pandemic is whether COVID-19 symptoms strike suddenly or develop gradually. The answer to this question is crucial for both individual awareness and effective public health measures.
For same-day COVID-19 testing, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills. Our center is open seven days a week and provides preventive and immediate care to all patients in the area. Simply walk in or pre-register your visit online!
Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with COVID-19 tend to have a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It’s important to note that individuals may experience symptoms to varying degrees, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic. New variants of the virus may present different symptoms. It’s important to consult a licensed medical provider to better understand these variations and to undergo a full evaluation if you experience any of the symptoms listed below.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:
- Fever and Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or Body Aches
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Congestion
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Nausea or Vomiting
Can COVID-19 Symptoms Come On Suddenly?
COVID-19 can have both a sudden and gradual onset. While some may experience an abrupt onset of symptoms, others may notice a slow and subtle progression. The sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms may cause individuals to find themselves unexpectedly grappling with a fever, persistent cough, and body aches all within one day. However, it’s important to note that the virus’s behavior can vary widely from person to person. For others, symptoms may emerge gradually. This progression can begin with mild fatigue or sore throat, only to develop and intensify over the course of several days.
The emergence of new variants has introduced additional layers of complexity when it comes to understanding COVID-19 symptoms and their duration. The unpredictability of symptom onset reinforces the importance of taking preventive measures. This includes vaccination, getting tested, personal hygiene, and staying home when sick. These measures reduce the risk of infection and contribute to the collective effort to limit the spread of the virus.
Get Same-Day COVID-19 Testing at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills
Overall, the question of whether COVID-19 symptoms come on suddenly or gradually is not always a straightforward answer. This makes it crucial to seek a COVID-19 test when you experience symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. Feeling under the weather? Get a same-day COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plan today at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills.
Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and operates on a walk-in basis. We offer Rapid COVID-19 testing, swab testing, and antibody testing for all patients in the University Hills area and surrounding communities. If you have any additional questions about COVID-19 symptoms, please contact us directly at (303) 756-4500.
