Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Singapore

As of July 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Singapore has reported 7,815,479 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 7,396 deaths. The vast majority of cases have been mild, with 99.7% of patients recovering fully.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in Singapore are:

• Fever (83.9%)
• Cough (82.3%)
• Fatigue (70.9%)
• Sore throat (69.6%)
• Runny nose (68.3%)
• Muscle aches (59.3%)
• Headache (58.1%)
• Loss of taste or smell (56.5%)

Less Common Symptoms

Less common symptoms of COVID-19 in Singapore include:

• Diarrhea (37.4%)
• Nausea or vomiting (35.1%)
• Shortness of breath (33.4%)
• Chest pain or pressure (20.2%)
• Confusion or delirium (14.2%)
• Seizures (1.3%)

Severe Symptoms

In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to:

• Pneumonia
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Multi-organ failure
• Death

Incubation Period

The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically 2-14 days, but can be as long as 24 days. This means that it can take up to 24 days for symptoms to develop after exposure to the virus.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can get COVID-19, but some people are at higher risk for severe illness, including:

• Older adults
• People with underlying medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, diabetes)
• People who are immunocompromised

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important if you are at high risk for severe illness.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
• Wearing a face mask in public places
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick

Treatment

There is no specific cure for COVID-19, but there are a number of treatments available to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications. These include:

• Rest
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Antiviral medications
• Steroids
• Oxygen therapy
• Mechanical ventilation

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A 65-year-old man with a history of heart disease was admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. He required mechanical ventilation and died a few days later.

Lesson learned: COVID-19 can be fatal in people with underlying medical conditions.

Story 2:

A 30-year-old woman who was pregnant developed COVID-19. She had a mild case of the illness and recovered fully. However, her newborn son was born premature and had to stay in the hospital for several weeks.

Lesson learned: COVID-19 can also affect pregnant women and their babies.

Story 3:

A 20-year-old man who was healthy and active developed COVID-19. He had a severe case of the illness and required hospitalization. He recovered, but still experiences fatigue and shortness of breath several months later.

Lesson learned: COVID-19 can have long-term effects, even in young people.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a number of common mistakes that people make when it comes to COVID-19. These include:

• Not getting vaccinated: Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
• Ignoring symptoms: If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
• Not following public health guidelines: Public health guidelines are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is important to follow these guidelines, including wearing a mask in public places and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

If you think you may have COVID-19, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Stay home and isolate yourself from others.
2. Call your doctor or the nearest clinic.
3. Get tested for COVID-19.
4. Follow your doctor's instructions.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses. COVID-19 is generally more severe than the flu, and it can lead to more serious complications.

2. How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or can be inhaled into the lungs.

3. What is the mortality rate for COVID-19?

The mortality rate for COVID-19 in Singapore is 0.09%, which is lower than the global average. However, the mortality rate is higher for people who are older or who have underlying medical conditions.

4. Is there a cure for COVID-19?

There is no specific cure for COVID-19, but there are a number of treatments available to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

5. How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. You can also protect yourself by:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
• Wearing a face mask in public places
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick

6. What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think you may have COVID-19, it is important to stay home and isolate yourself from others. Call your doctor or the nearest clinic and get tested for COVID-19. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to treat your symptoms and prevent complications.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Singapore

Table 2: Less Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Singapore

Table 3: Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19