As more COVID-19 positive cases are reported in Greene County, are there some people experiencing more severe symptoms than others? Greene County Public Health shares some insight.

Public Health Director Becky Wolf says there is a wide range of symptoms as individuals get tested and some have been reported as positive. She describes how the youth is reacting to the virus.

“The kids tend to be having less severe symptoms. They might have a sore throat, headache, and achiness, and a bit of a cough, (and) some fever. It might last for a few days, but they seem to pop out of it quickly.”

Wolf notes the adult population is more complex. While some may have mild symptoms, others are more severe.

“They’re feeling very ill, sometimes up to a week. They might feel better for a little while, and then they start feeling bad again. They may have a sore throat, which some people will describe as feeling like they have glass in their throat because it hurts so bad. There’s a few people that will have shortness of breath, or they feel like they have a burning in their chest, or they can’t get a deep breath, or something is sitting on their chest. So, it’s just all over the place.”

Wolf adds other symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, nasal congestion, diarrhea, vomiting, and a loss of taste and smell. Additionally individuals at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 include those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and current or former smokers. Wolf encourages anyone who is experiencing these symptoms to get tested for COVID-19.