Possibilities of muscle or back pain being symptoms of COVID-19

CNI Desk: Besides affecting the lives of millions of people, the novel coronavirus with its long and increasing range of symptoms has continued to threaten the physical well being of many people.

While we are already aware of the most common and classic symptoms of the deadly virus, a recent study has claimed that COVID-19 can also affect the musculoskeletal system of the human body, leading to great pain. Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is therefore recognized as a possible symptom of COVID-19.

Classic symptoms of COVID-19

Since the day the news of the novel coronavirus broke out in the world, people have been experiencing different and varied ranges of symptoms. Although the list has continued to increase and expand, some of the most common symptoms remain to be the same. The following are some of the most classic symptoms of COVID-19.

- Fever

- Dry cough

- Sore throat

- Runny and stuffy nose

- Chest pain and shortness of breath

How is muscle or back pain associated with COVID-19?

Myalgia or muscle pain is a condition, whereby a patient may feel pain and aches in ligaments, tendons and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones and organs. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 55,924 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China, found that 14.8 percent of patients reported myalgia or arthralgia (joint pain). Although the percentage of people battling with other common symptoms is much higher, muscle pain has been identified as a more likely symptom of COVID-19 than sore throat, headache and chills.

In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, myalgia was identified as a common symptom in patients with viral infections such as COVID-19 and influenza.

Other lesser known or mild symptoms of COVID-19

Besides muscle and back pain, there are other lesser known symptoms of COVID-19 that have either been ignored or not yet recognized. Here are some of the lesser known or mild COVID-19 symptoms you may have overlooked.

- Stomach ache

- Brain fog or confusion

- Eye infection, particularly, conjunctivitis

Ways to prevent it?

If you're someone who has been feeling a bit under the weather or are dealing with continuous coughs, then you must isolate yourself for at least a week. If in case you're living with someone who has shown signs, then you must ask them to quarantine and must also remain in isolation for a period of 14 days. Apart from that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, practice social distancing and take all the precautionary measures, not just for your safety but for the safety of others.