Wondering about those Flu-like Symptoms?

As Covid-19 reinfections rise in Oregon, you might be wondering about those flu-like symptoms. Are they what you were expecting? A recent collaborative health study called ZOE released an updated list October 17 of the five most common Covid symptoms amongst participants of a multi-group analysis. Interestingly, even though the CDC still lists symptoms like fatigue, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea, they are being cited less frequently as time goes on. Commony suggested symptoms such as loss of smell, fever, and shortness of breath fell to the sixth, eighth, and 29th ranks, respectively.

Among fully vaccinated study participants, the top five symptoms—ranked from most reported to least reported—are:
1. Sore throat
2. Runny nose
3. Blocked nose
4. Persistent cough
5. Headache

For individuals who have had only one dose of the vaccine, the top five symptoms—ranked from most reported to least reported—are:
1. Headache
2. Runny nose
3. Sore throat
4. Sneezing
5. Persistent cough

Among unvaccinated individuals, the top five symptoms—ranked from most reported to least reported—are:
1. Headache
2. Sore throat
3. Runny nose
4. Fever
5. Persistent cough

Now in the US, or for the purposes of Blue Heron Chiropractic’s blog – in Portland, Oregon, Multnomah County – we have a solid distribution of vaccine and boosters amongst a reasonably educated and interactive population. Many are originally double vaccinated and currently double or even triple-boosted. So the most likely symptom presentation would be the first, “fully vaccinated” for these individuals.

A lot of patients I speak with are still thinking that loss of taste and smell is going to be their bellwhether. The most common variant in the US currently is BA.5.  I comment that when I had CoOVID-19 in September, probably BA.5, I did not experience loss of taste and smell until Day 12 – and then it was very mild. It’s so much easier to simply test if you suspect – or even if you don’t.   And, of course, the full clinical spectrum of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is here.

The number of positive tests in general increased 10% in the month of October. OHSU has declared it expects a large wave of cases by December.  There is also a concern that patients opting to skip the flu shot in lieu of the Covid-19 Booster will create an increase of influenza cases as well.

We are still fully masked, distanced, HEPA filtered, and at least screened if not temperature scanned in the clinic. In cases where I adjust face-to-face, I drop down a visor for that moment at least. But it is also easy when I am not at work to just consider avoiding crowded, enclosed, uncontrolled/questionable/unknown environments, mask in taxis, and disinfect my hands whenever I get a chance. I am not trying to prove a point, I am just intending to stay healthy and productive.

If you have concern about a symptom prior to an appointment, call ahead and let’s discuss them, as well as your vaccination status. If need be, we can reschdule long enough for you to consider testing. We do have test kits avaliable at the clinic, but be advised that is the cost of a re-exam appointment and the cost of the test. Economically better for you to obtain the kit at Safeway pharmacy, Walgreens or Right-Aid, test in the car, and discuss the results afterwards. We can help you test at the clinic, but if you show a positive, we would document that and then get you set up for your next appointment. We would endeavor to give you a call in the interim to check up on you.

Access Chiropractic safely and securely at Blue Heron Chiropractic & Healing Arts Center, with Dr. Dana Sibilla, DC DABCO FIANM.

Be well!