Six types of COVID-19 based on symptoms

UK researchers analysing data from 2,700 users of a widely-used coronavirus symptom-tracking app have found there are six distinct types of the disease, each distinguished by a cluster of symptoms (1).

Though not peer-reviewed as yet, the study describes the following six COVID-19 types.

1. 'Flu-like' with no fever

Headache, loss of smell, muscle pains, cough, sore throat, chest pain, no fever.

2. 'Flu-like' with fever

Headache, loss of smell, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, fever, loss of appetite.

3. Gastrointestinal

Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, sore throat, chest pain, no cough.

4. Severe level one, fatigue

Headache, loss of smell, cough, fever, hoarseness, chest pain, fatigue. 

5. Severe level two, confusion

Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, cough, fever, hoarseness, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, muscle pain.

6. Severe level three, abdominal and respiratory

Headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, cough, fever, hoarseness, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, muscle pain, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.

The study found patients with type four, five and six classifications were more likely to be admitted to hospital and were more likely to need respiratory support.