Hollywood celebrity and famous talk show host, Ellen Degeneres, who tested positive for COVID-19 recently, says there are some unusual symptoms of COVID-19, such as excruciating back pain, that many people are not are aware.She based the assertion on her experience and recovery from the viral infection. Continuing, she said, “Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper Centers for Disease Control and prevention guidelines. I’ll see you all after the holidays”, she wrote.
Although the CDC doesn’t specifically list back pain as a symptom, the agency does include muscle pain and body aches as a sign to look out for.
Some common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of smell and taste, among others.
A survey conducted by Survivor Corps, a Facebook support group for COVID-19 survivors, and Natalie Lambert, Ph.D, of Indiana University’s School of Medicine, found that COVID-19 “long-haulers” [people who have technically recovered from COVID-19] still experience long-term symptoms or side effects such as lower-, upper-, and mid-back pain.
A February report from the World Health Organisation analysed nearly 56,000 cases of COVID-19 in China, and found that nearly 15 percent of patients experienced muscle aches and pains.
Reacting to the complaint of excruciating back pain as a symptom of COVID-19, Director/National Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, told PUNCH HealthWise that COVID-19 symptoms are not specific.
Dr. Anyaike, a consultant public health physician, explained,” For some people, COVID-19 comes with serious body pain.
“Some people will say this type of pain is too much. When you notice any symptom that you are not comfortable with, go for test.
“That is why we have told healthcare providers to have a very high index of suspicion because it can come in several ways, depending on how your body reacts.
“No one is hiding any symptom about COVID-19. Remember, it is a new virus; so, we are still studying it.
“Back pain could be a symptom, but you cannot say it is a major symptom.
“People come with back pain, but her [Ellen Degeneres] own is excruciating back pain, which is part of body pain that is a symptom of COVID-19.”
The physician advised people to always seek medical intervention whenever they have health issues and to avoid self medication.
source: Punch
