Final answer:
Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 but without a confirmed diagnosis are considered to have a suspected case and should seek medical assistance. The range of symptoms can be broad, including asymptomatic cases, while those with symptoms might be in the prodromal period. Psychological effects are also being studied as part of the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients present with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 but a definitive diagnosis has not been established, they are considered to have a suspected case of the disease. It is critical that they seek medical attention promptly to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and isolation are essential steps in controlling the spread of this infectious disease.
Certain individuals could be asymptomatic or display only subclinical symptoms, not realizing they are infected and can transmit the virus. For instance, it's known that a high percentage of those infected with herpes simplex virus remain unaware of their condition due to a lack of noticeable symptoms. Similarly, patients with COVID-19 may exhibit a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe sickness and, in some cases, no symptoms at all.
The general period when a patient begins to show signs and symptoms of a disease such as COVID-19 is referred to as the prodromal period. The disease can further progress to present more severe symptoms, which may include high fever, aches, cough, and, in extreme cases, a severe respiratory infection that can progress to pneumonia. Given the contagious nature of COVID-19, any signs of illness should prompt individuals to seek medical advice.
Since the declaration of the pandemic, there have been global efforts to study and understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on survivors. The psychological effects, like increased risks for depression and anxiety, are also being considered along with the physiological impacts on the lungs and brain.