Asymptomatic Infection
Individuals whose results for Covid-19 tests show positive, although they don’t show any of the
symptoms reported clinically by Covid-19 patients are categorized as the ones with asymptomatic
infection.
- Chest X-rays and CT scans of these individuals do not show any signs of the Corona Virus
infection.
- Although debatable, it is now being established that patients with an asymptomatic infection
have lower chances of transmission as the absence of coughing and fever makes it less likely
for the virus to spread.
- It is difficult to trace asymptomatic patients and rapid tests in all suspected geographical
areas are therefore suggested.
Mild Infection
In some cases Covid-19 infected patients may display symptoms of a viral infection in the upper
respiratory tract. Most of these patients are said to be mildly infected by the corona virus.
- Symptoms include dry cough, nasal congestion, headache, mild fever, sore throat, and malaise
and muscle pain.
- Dyspnea or shortness of breath is sharply absent in such patients and in fact, if a mildly
infected patient show symptoms of dyspnea, it will be escalated to severe infection cases.
- According to studies, 81% of the covid-19 patients worldwide are suffering from mild
infection.
- There are high chances of mildly infected patients to become sever to critically ill. Hence,
it is important to maintain constant monitoring.
Moderate Infection
Patients having clinical signs of pneumonia are generally taken under the category of moderately
infected covid-19 patients.
- Their symptoms include respiratory problems, dry cough, shortness of breath and tachypnea
along with persistent fever.
- Not all patients in this category reveals major symptoms, however, chest x-rays and CT scans
may reveal pulmonary lesions typical to covid-19 infection.
Severe Infection
Patients testing positive for covid-19 along with ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) are
the severely infected individuals in this disease.
- These individuals suffer from severe pneumonia along with sepsis or sepsis shock.
- It needs to be clinically diagnosed with the help of radiographic studies.
- Severe infection can initially be tracked by measuring the blood oxygen saturation level
that falls sharply in this case.
- Fever can be moderate or absent even among patients with severe infection.
Critical Infection
When the ARDS gets worse affecting other organs and resulting in heart attacks, patients are
considered to be critically infected by the Covid-19 virus.
- Multiple organ failure along with encephalopathy and myocardial injury can cause a patient
to be in the most critical situation of this infection.
- Ventilation and necessary medical assistances are required to help patients survive this
extent of infection.