COVID-19 is about as unpredictable as it gets. No one thought this illness would still be around a whole year later, and the symptoms vary in every case.

So, is there any way you can know what to expect if you fall ill to the dreaded coronavirus? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road has some answers, so read on.

What Symptoms Will I Experience First?

According to recent studies, fever, cough, muscle pain, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of the virus, and often occur in that order. In many cases, fever is the first symptom to pop up when dealing with the coronavirus.

Like we said earlier, though, COVID-19 symptoms vary on a case-by-case basis. While fever is generally the first symptom to pop up, there have been many cases where those who have tested positive for COVID-19 have shown no symptoms. This makes it increasingly important to follow the health-safety precautions that we’ve listed below.

Health-Safety Precautions to Follow

• Wear a mask in public.
• Remain six feet apart from others when outside the home.
• Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-rich hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Is Back Pain an Early Symptom?

It can be. Back pain due to COVID-19 is grouped in with general muscle aches or pains, which the CDC lists as an official symptom.

Additionally, studies have shown that COVID-19 patients who have recovered have said that they experienced lower, middle and upper back pain for weeks afterward. Back and muscle pains aren’t the only symptoms to watch out for, though, when it comes to COVID-19. We’ve listed some more common symptoms below.

Common COVID-19 Symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road wants you to stay healthy and well this year! If you do experience back pain or other symptoms and have been recently exposed to COVID-19, schedule a test at our center ASAP. We’re here for you now and always.