This section covers the diagnosis of COVID 19, including the clinical manifestations of the disease and the concept of the incubation period, and case definitions.  

COVID-19 affects different people differently, including confirmed via RT-PCR individuals infected and infectious but asymptomatic. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. Older people with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop severe illnesses.

Most common symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Loss of taste or smell

Less common symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• A rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes
• Red or irritated eyes

Serious symptoms:

• Shortness of breath and breathing difficulty
• Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
• Chest pain

Comments:

On average, it takes 5–6 days from being infected with the Virus for symptoms to show, but it can take up to 14 days. However:

• Immediate medical attention is mandatory in case of severe symptoms.
• People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.

Testing

According to WHO, case diagnosis should be confirmed by laboratory tests, and the RT-PCR is the golden standard.