Clinical features of COVID-19 among young adults
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations that vary by age group. Among young adults (18–40 years), infections are often mild or asymptomatic, yet this population plays a significant role in community transmission. The predominant symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia, fatigue, and loss of smell or taste. Some individuals also experience gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms. Laboratory findings commonly show mild lymphopenia and elevated inflammatory markers, while chest imaging may reveal ground-glass opacities. Though mortality is low, severe disease can occur, especially in those with comorbidities such as obesity or diabetes. A subset develops post-COVID or “long COVID” symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive impairment. Understanding the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in young adults is crucial for timely diagnosis, management, and effective public health interventions.
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