Could It Be COVID Without Typical Symptoms? (38-Year-Old Asian Male)
Last week, I enjoyed lunch with a friend, but upon returning home, I experienced a significant headache and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. Strangely, I noticed that I was gradually losing my voice, yet I didn't have a cough or any other common symptoms. The following day brought lingering tiredness and intermittent headaches. By later in the day, my voice was noticeably weak, but I felt no discomfort in my throat; it was just as if my voice had diminished unexpectedly. Additionally, I encountered mild heart palpitations, making me aware of my heartbeat feeling stronger or quicker than usual. It's been about a week since then, and while I'm starting to feel somewhat better, I can't help but wonder if I might have contracted COVID without realizing it. Since I spent the entire week around my family, I'm concerned that I could have unknowingly passed it on to them if that was the case.
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 6:01:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially considering recent interactions and the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in our communities. Based on what you’ve described, it is possible to experience COVID-19 without the typical symptoms like coughing or fever. Headaches, fatigue, voice changes, and palpitations can occur in some cases, reflecting how diverse the symptoms can be.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including the significant headache, fatigue, and changes in your voice, can indeed be linked to a viral infection, including COVID-19. Not everyone shows the classic symptoms, and some might experience unusual effects. As for heart palpitations, they can occur due to stress or illness, but if they persist, they warrant attention.
Next Steps:
- Self-Testing: Consider taking an at-home COVID-19 test if you haven’t already. This can help determine if your symptoms correspond with a recent infection.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms over the next few days. Note any new symptoms or if your current ones worsen, particularly breathing difficulties or persistent high heart rates.
- Practice Isolation: To minimize the risk to your family, try to limit close contact until you have clarity about your health status.
- Hydration and Rest: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and rest as your body might still be recovering from whatever illness you may have.
If you experience worsening symptoms or new concerning symptoms (like significant difficulty breathing, chest pain, or an ongoing high heart rate), consider seeking medical advice promptly. Your health and the safety of those around you are important, and taking these steps can help you address your concerns effectively.
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7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options
# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - **Portocaval shunt size: 9.9 mm** (blood bypassing the liver into the inferior vena cava) - **Arteriovenous shunt size: 4.4 mm** - **Portal vein size: 6.1 mm** (patent) - **Three nodular cystic lesions** located in the perivascular area, with largest measuring 11.6×20.7 mm, enhancing during the venous phase - Liver features a heterogeneous architecture, exhibiting irregular enhancement - Gallbladder appears elongated and slightly enlarged - Other abdominal organs exhibit normal findings **RADIOLOGIST’S ASSESSMENT:** "Congenital portosystemic shunt indicative of Abernethy malformation; less likely arteriovenous malformation (AVM); cannot dismiss the possibility of localized liver lesions." **ADVICE:** Seek consultations with an abdominal and vascular surgeon. ### Blood Tests (August 1, 2025): **Complete Blood Count:** - WBC: 10.44 × 10⁹/L (normal range) - **RBC: 2.1 × 10¹²/L** (LOW - indicating severe anemia) - **Hemoglobin: 69 g/L** (CRITICALLY LOW; normal is 117-166) - Platelets: 403 × 10⁹/L (elevated) **Biochemistry Analysis:** - 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WBC: 5.8 × 10⁹/L (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT) - **RBC: 2.93 × 10¹²/L** (IMPROVED but still low) - **Hemoglobin: 72 g/L** (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT but still low) - Platelets: 223 × 10⁹/L (BACK TO NORMAL) - Neutrophils: 30.0% - Lymphocytes: 64.8% - Monocytes: 4.6% ### Biochemistry (January 28, 2026): - Total protein level: 67 g/L (slightly deficient) - Creatinine: 20.7 μmol/L - **Total Bilirubin: 242 μmol/L** (STILL HIGH - unchanged) - **Direct Bilirubin: 142 μmol/L** (VERY HIGH) - **ALT: 50 IU/mL** (DRASTICALLY LOWER from >1000!) --- ## OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS OVER 6 MONTHS | Parameter | August 2025 | January 2026 | Change | |------------------|-------------|---------------|--------------------------| | **Hemoglobin** | 69 g/L | 72 g/L | ↗ Slight improvement | | **RBC** | 2.1 | 2.93 | ↗ Improved | | **ALT** | >1000 | 50 | ✓✓ MAJOR IMPROVEMENT | | **Bilirubin** | 245 | 242 | → Unchanged (still elevated) | | **Portal vein** | 6.1 mm | 3.9 mm (US) | ↗ Decreased | | **Platelets** | 403 | 223 | ↘ Normalized | | **Shunt size** | 9.9 mm | 9.9 mm | → No Change | --- ## CURRENT SITUATION (February 2026 - 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