Can you have coronavirus (COVID-19) without a fever?

 A fever is a common symptom of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). However, some people with the disease do not have a fever. A person may have different symptoms or none at all.

According to an April 2020 study, about 55.5% of people with COVID-19 develop a fever. This suggests that a substantial number of people with the disease do not have this symptom.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of COVID-19, how common they are, and what to do if the symptoms appear.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• a fever
• chills
• a cough
• difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle aches
• headaches
• a new loss of taste or smell
• a runny or congested nose
• a sore throat
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

Anyone can develop this illness, and its symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.

Also, COVID-19 can affect people differently, and some develop other, less common symptoms.

The same study that identified a fever in only 55.5% of participants with confirmed COVID-19 also found that symptoms such as a dry cough were not universal. The following table shows how many of the 202 study participants experienced each symptom:

Symptom	Prevalence (%)
Fatigue	68.3
Smell and taste disturbance	64.4
Dry or productive cough	60.4
Fever	55.5
Muscle or joint pain	44.6
Headache	42.6
Problems breathing	41.1
Sore throat	31.2

Other studies have found varying results. A July 2020 study, for example, found that 51.2% of participants with confirmed COVID-19 developed a fever.

A different study from April found that out of 57,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, only 30.7% of people had a fever when admitted to a hospital.

These figures suggest that many people have COVID-19 without a fever. Additionally, according to a March 2020 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 80% of people with COVID-19 experience mild or no symptoms.

What are the early symptoms?COVID-19 affects people in different ways, and there can be a variety of early symptoms.

However, in research from August 2020, a team of scientists put forward a hypothesis that people develop COVID-19 symptoms in the following order:

• a fever
• muscle pain and a dry cough
• vomiting, nausea, or both
• diarrhea

This suggests that among people who do develop a fever, it may be one of the earliest symptoms. However, proving that this order of symptoms is accurate will require further studies.

COVID-19 is a disease that stems from an infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2 — and according to the WHO, symptoms of the illness can take up to 14 days to appear after the person contracts the infection.

Source: Medical News Today

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Resiliency helps older adults deal with the pandemic

 A recent article in JAMA discusses why older adults appear to be coping better with loneliness and social isolation than younger adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemics are stressful, and the loneliness that comes with isolation takes a toll on mental health.

Surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted between June 24 and June 30, 2020, found that 40.9% of respondents experienced at least one mental or behavioral health condition. These ranged from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma to starting or increasing substance use.

While all humans need social contact, some cope better with less contact than others.

Young and old

Social deprivation, the reduction or prevention of levels of social interaction considered normal depending on culture, is particularly harmful for adolescents.

A 2020 review of studies investigating social isolation and loneliness, published between January 1, 1946, and March 29, 2020, found that these factors strongly predicted later depression in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Additionally, loneliness correlated with an increased risk of mental health problems up to 9 years later in life.

An April 2020 article from the European Paediatric Association investigated adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers reviewed data from preliminary studies in China and found that those aged 3–18 were more clingy, distracted, irritable, and fearful of asking coronavirus-related questions. They also had trouble sleeping, poor appetites, and separation problems.

Young adults are also vulnerable to the psychological effects of social isolation. An October 2020 study found that in a group of 564 adults aged 22–29 years, 60.7% of whom were female, loneliness increased between January and April–May. This effect was more prevalent in females, as were increased symptoms of depression.

Social isolation can also cause physical symptoms, such as a weakened immune system, an increased risk of diabetes, and an increased risk of death.

A 2016 study found a strong link between a poor social life and an elevated risk of inflammation during adolescence.

In older adults, a lack of social interaction is linked to a greater risk of hypertension, compared with diabetes.

The CDC cite 2020 estimates that one-third of adults aged 45 or older feel lonely, and almost 1 in 4 adults 65 or older are socially isolated. This is associated, they report, with health risks, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

However, while older adults may be experiencing significant social isolation from loved ones, this may not necessarily translate into worsening mental health, according to a recent Viewpoint article in JAMA.

Older adults less severely affected

A group of researchers at institutions in Massachusetts, California, and Pennsylvania looked at early data from several global studies on older adults and mental health during the pandemic.

While older adults are considered a vulnerable population for severe COVID-19 and related mortality, the researchers found that these adults were less negatively affected by mental health strain than younger adults.

One report from the CDC, for example, concluded that older adults were less likely to start or increase substance use and less likely to think about suicide.

Of course, these findings do not apply to every older adult. In the same report, the CDC acknowledge that adults from marginalized groups or low-income households, and those who provided unpaid caregiving services were more likely to experience adverse health effects.

This is consistent with other evidence of higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder in people of color, compared with white people, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Medical News Today

 

What to know about liver pain

Liver pain can be felt in the upper part of the abdomen, on the right hand side. It can be a sign of a serious disease, so medical attention may be necessary.

A healthy liver helps the body fight infections, cleans the blood, and plays a role in metabolism. It can also repair itself when damaged.

If the liver is unable to do its job properly, it can be a life-threatening situation.

Liver pain can arise for various reasons. It is important to find out what is causing the pain and to get treatment to prevent irreversible damage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million adults in the United States have a diagnosis of liver disease, or 1.8% of the population.

Liver pain and liver disease

Liver pain can be dull and nonspecific, but it can also be severe. It may result in a backache. Liver pain is sometimes confused with a pain in the right shoulder, or in the abdomen, or the kidney.

Many liver diseases and other organ conditions can cause liver pain. Some of these can lead to liver damage. Without treatment, the liver may eventually stop functioning.

Liver disease refers to any condition that causes liver inflammation or damage, and that may affect liver function. Liver pain is often a sign of liver disease.

Symptoms of liver disease often do not appear until the condition is advanced, so it is important to be aware of liver pain and other symptoms that could signal a liver disorder.

Patients should seek immediate medical treatment if they experience any of the following:

• severe pain, especially in the abdomen
• fever
• dark urine
• pale, bloody, or tar-colored stools
• nausea and vomiting
• weight loss
• yellowish skin
• severe tenderness when touching the abdomen
• swelling in the abdomen or in the legs and ankles
• itchy skin
• chronic fatigue
• loss of appetite

 Source: Medical News Today

What to eat and what to avoid with gout

Foods to avoid

There is evidence that consuming certain types of food may trigger an episode of gout.

Purines

In 2004, researchers found that some purines, which are present in animal and plant foods, may worsen the symptoms of gout because the body converts them into uric acid.

The study indicates that consuming animal based foods that are high in purines might increase the risk of developing gout.

However, eating plant based foods that contain purines does not appear to have the same effect. The researchers add that consuming dairy products may reduce the chances of developing gout.

The following foods contain purines. People with gout should significantly limit or avoid them.

• red meat and organ meat, such as liver or kidneys, which are high in saturated fat
• seafood, such as lobster, shrimp, sardines, anchovies, tuna, trout, mackerel, and haddock
• sugary drinks and foods that are high in fructose
• processed foods and refined carbohydrates
• alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor

Some people fast to relieve gout. However, the Arthritis Foundation note that fasting may trigger symptoms of gout if a fasting person becomes dehydrated. People with gout should take special precautions when fasting to maintain they drink enough fluids.

A 2014 study compared people who fasted and those who did not fast during Ramadan, which restricts food and fluid during daylight hours. The study did not find that people who fasted experienced more episodes of gout or higher uric acid levels than non-fasting participants.

Foods to eat

Gout is a chronic, or long term, condition. Developing lifelong healthful eating habits can help a person manage their symptoms.

A healthful diet for people with gout should include all the food groups.

Foods that can help reduce uric acid levels include:

• low fat dairy products, such as yogurt and cottage cheese
• plant oils, such as olive oil or avocado
• pulses, including beans, peas, and lentils
• all vegetables, including mushrooms, asparagus, and spinach
• fruits, especially those with high fiber and low sugar content, such as berries and citrus
• whole grains
• nuts
• water
• oatmeal
• lean meat, such as chicken
• eggs

Overall, a plant based diet is more likely to be beneficial than a high fat diet with a focus on meat to help stabilize uric acid levels.

It can also help boost heart health due to the increased consumption of fiber, fruit, vegetable, and monounsaturated fats. This is important, as studies have shown that people with gout may also have a higher risk of developing heart problems.

A systematic review, published in 2016, found evidence that coffee may reduce the risk of a gout flareup.

Vitamin C

A doctor may also recommend vitamin C supplements of 500–1,000 milligrams (mg) a day.

Vitamin C supplements are available for purchase online. However, people should not take supplements unless their doctor advises them to do so.

 Source: Medical News Today

What to know about computer eye strain

Excessive screen time can lead to a condition called computer eye strain. This is sometimes known as computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain. It occurs because our eyes have to work hard when viewing screens.

Many people spend long periods of time looking at their phones, tablets, computer monitors, and televisions. After all, modern jobs often require people to focus on screens for several hours per day.

On top of this, many people rely on digital media or TV to relax after work. Therefore, there is little respite for the eyes.

Keep reading to learn more about the main causes and symptoms of computer eye strain, as well as some exercises and treatment options for relieving it.

Causes

Viewing digital screens for long periods of time can make a person’s eyes work harder than usual. This can put the eyes under strain, which may lead to the development of vision problems.

As the American Optometric Association explain, the eyes are under greater strain when we view screens versus when we read printed words on a page.

This is partly because the letters on many screens are not as sharply defined as printed letters. It is also because many screens have less contrast than the printed page, and because they are affected by reflection and glare.

All of this can make a person’s eyes work extra hard when reading words on a screen.

Other factors also can contribute to computer eye strain. For example, some people view screens from inappropriate distances and angles. This can lead to the adoption of uncomfortable and tense postures, especially if the person has underlying vision problems.

Additionally, one review notes that people’s blinking rate drops dramatically when viewing screens.

However, blinking is an important biological function that keeps the surface of the eyes clean and lubricated. This reduction in blinking may also explain some of the symptoms of computer eye strain.

Symptoms

The following are some of the most common symptoms of computer eye strain:

• tired and strained eyes
• eye discomfort
• dry, irritated, or burning eyes
• blurred vision when viewing screens or looking into the distance
• difficulty refocusing the eyes
• sensitivity to bright lights
• headaches
• neck and shoulder pain

Exercises

Certain exercises may help with the prevention and management of computer eye strain.

For example, the American Optometric Association recommend that people follow the 20-20-20 rule. Following this rule means looking at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen.

Learn more about the 20-20-20 rule here.

It might also be helpful to spend a little time each day on some other eye focus exercises. For example, try slowly alternating between focusing on something far away and something nearby.

Another exercise is the figure eight. This involves looking at an area of floor that is 8 feet away. Then, a person should slowly move their eyes in a figure eight shape for 30 seconds in one direction, then 30 seconds in the other.

There is some evidence to suggest that these exercises could help with computer eye strain. For example, one study has found that looking at distant objects during breaks from work can significantly reduce the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

Some scientists have also suggested that blinking exercises may be useful in dealing with computer eye strain. For instance, some people may find that recovering a normal blinking rate when looking at screens helps alleviate some of their symptoms.

Source: Medical News Today

 

How to stimulate pressure points

In acupressure, a person stimulates specific pressure points using self-massage. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) recommend these steps for beginners:

1.     Relax in a comfortable position, close the eyes, and breathe deeply.

2.     Choose a pressure point and press it firmly with a finger.

3.     Move the finger in circles, or up and down, for several minutes.

4.     Use deep, firm pressure.

5.     Repeat this as often as needed.

A person can also ask another person to massage the pressure points for them. Practicing the technique consistently may lead to better results.

UCLA recommend using acupressure with the supervision of a doctor. Pressure point stimulation should not hurt. If it does, reduce the pressure or stop the massage.

 Source : Medical News Today

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the needs of the body. The thyroid is underactive.

The opposite is hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. However, the link between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is complex, and one can lead to the other, in certain circumstances.

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, or the way the body uses energy. If thyroxine levels are low, many of the body’s functions slow down.

About 4.6 percent of the population aged 12 years and above in the United States has hypothyroidism.

The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck below the larynx, or voice box, and has two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe.

It is an endocrine gland, made up of special cells that make hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that relay information to the organs and tissues of the body, controlling processes such as metabolism, growth, and mood.

The production of thyroid hormones is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland.

This, in turn, is regulated by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain. TSH ensures that enough thyroid hormones are made to meet the needs of the body.

Source: Medical News Today