As more and more people have begun to step out of their homes, the chances of contracting the infection have also increased exponentially. While earlier breathlessness, fever and dry cough were considered the hallmarks of COVID-19, it is presenting itself in absolutely novel ways in different people. It is important to note that while runny nose and congestion are not typical symptoms of coronavirus, some patients do report them. In mild cases of coronavirus infection, people do have a runny nose and nasal congestion, which can be mistaken for the flu or cold, in the absence of other telltale signs of the disease.

From fever to an itchy cough and body pain, COVID-19 symptoms are way too similar to that of a cold or flu. However, experts have repeatedly said that the earliest symptoms a person has can alert them about an active infection, including a sore throat. Having a prickly, itchy throat, which could also feel like you have experienced some swelling can be indicators of a sore throat. It is also one of the most commonly experienced symptoms in a COVID-19 infection, seen in over 52% cases globally.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, can cause lung complications such as pneumonia and, in the most severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS. Sepsis, another possible complication of COVID-19, can also cause lasting harm to the lungs and other organs