Symptom Analysis of Confirmed Covid-19 Patients Managed at Allied Hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction

Coronavirus can cause respiratory disease ranging from mild upper respiratory tract illness to severe pneumonia, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. The purpose of this research was to study the symptoms of confirmed Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and their relationship with gender and age groups.

Materials and Methods

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Rawalpindi Institute of Urology and Transplantation (RIUT) that is the COVID-19 management center of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi during the month of March 2020. Consecutive sampling methodology was used, and all real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed patients of COVID-19 were included. Data regarding age, gender, and symptoms with onset was recorded and analyzed.

 Results

Thirty-five patients, 22 (62.9%) males, and 13 (37.1%) females were included. Seven (20%) patients were ≥60 years old, and 12 (34.8%) ≥40 years old. 21 (60%) were symptomatic and the rest of them were asymptomatic. The mean duration of symptoms was 2.8±1.1 days. Fever (13, 61.9%), persistent cough (12, 57.1%), sputum (6, 28.6%), shortness of breath (4, 19%), anorexia (3, 14.3%), fatigue (3, 14.3%), myalgia (1, 4.8%), were presenting symptoms. Cough, anorexia, and fatigue were significantly more frequent in the patients ≥40 of age. Anorexia and fatigue were common in the age groups ≥40 and ≥60 years. Myalgia was significantly frequent in patients aged ≥60 years.

Conclusion

Fever, persistent cough and shortness of breath are commonest symptoms of COVID 19 patients. COVID-19 can be asymptomatic in many cases.