What is a dry cough? Here’s what health experts say about the coronavirus symptom
Dry cough is a common symptom of coronavirus, but do you know what it means?
In general, coughing is a release of air from the body in response to an irritant, health experts say.
When that happens, someone with a dry cough doesn’t bring up phlegm, according to Harvard Medical School and other health websites.
But people with a wet cough, also called a productive cough, see mucus.
An examination of COVID-19 patients found about two-thirds had a dry cough, the World Health Organization reported last month.
Susan Kane told NBC News her husband first developed a dry cough.
“It started off as just a little bit of a dry cough,” she said. “He didn’t have any other symptoms but this crazy cough.”
Chris Kane’s cough worsened, and he eventually tested positive for the coronavirus, the media outlet reported.
Health officials say other symptoms of coronavirus can include fever and tiredness. Patients can also have trouble breathing, while some don’t show symptoms, according to the World Health Organization.
People who think they may be sick should reach out to their doctors and stay away from other people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
This story was originally published March 21, 2020 at 2:20 PM with the headline "What is a dry cough? Here’s what health experts say about the coronavirus symptom."
