Coronavirus: Researchers identify six different 'types' of COVID-19

[TexasTowelie]

Symptoms developed within the first week of the onset of a COVID-19 infection can determine the likelihood of a patient requiring serious medical attention by the end of week two, according to researchers at King’s College in London.

The new study, which wasn’t peer-reviewed but was replicated in an independent data set, could help doctors identify the patients who require care and treat them earlier, possibly saving lives. It showed a wide variety of outcomes and symptoms, some of which hadn’t previously been strongly connected to COVID-19.

“These findings have important implications for care and monitoring of people who are most vulnerable to severe COVID-19,” Dr. Claire Steves, of King’s College, said in a release. “If you can predict who these people are at day five, you have time to give them support and early interventions … simple care that could be given at home, preventing hospitalizations and saving lives.”

There were six distinct “types” of the virus that appeared in different “clusters” of symptoms in patients by the fifth day symptoms set in, according to an analysis of about 1,600 patients in the U.S. and U.K. who logged their symptoms during March and April. Most COVID-19 patients who require breathing support first visit a hospital around the 13th day after their first symptoms, researchers said, potentially shaving eight days off the typical timeline before medical intervention.

Read more: https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/07/28/coronavirus-researchers-identify-six-different-types-of-covid-19/

[canetoad]

1. I believe this means six sets of symptoms

Which doesn't necessarily equate to six different 'types' of coronavirus.

This observation was released about a week ago. It is most useful in predicting the severity of covid and whom, of infected people will end up in ICU and on a ventilator.

[Ms. Toad]

2. My understanding, as well.

It might end up being 6 different types. But this particular study wasn't a genetic analysys - it was a predictive analysis based on symptoms.

[stopdiggin]

3. yep. clusters of "symptoms"

this is probably important information -- but not particularly well presented or explained in this article. In fact I'd challenge the writer's sentence stating, "different 'types' of virus." I believe that is mistaken and incorrect.

(Thanks for the OP anyway .. this is news)

[greymattermom]

4. Actually Covid-19

is the name of the disease. The virus is named SARS-Cov-2.

[peggysue2]

5. Read this piece with a good deal of interest

My entire family came down with 'something' in January. I was flat-out for 2 1/2 weeks and #2 in the symptom list describes what I had perfectly. It took a full month before I felt myself with the cough lingering for several weeks beyond that, even with my doctor prescribing an antibiotic. Had absolutely no appetite for nearly a month. I lived on soup.

I know January is far earlier than we think Covid-19 had a footing in the states. But it really makes me wonder if this virus spread started earlier than we know or think. Curious.

That being said, I think this classification of symptoms could be really important for early medical intervention, perhaps reducing the number of deaths.

Thanks for the link!