COVID-19 pandemic: Humans can't hear difference between coughs of healthy and infected people

The study's authors hope to give people food for thought before they jump to conclusions based on someone's cough.

FP Trending|Jun 10, 2020, 17:12:10 IST

Humans cannot hear the difference between someone whose cough is due to a small irritation in their throat and someone who might have a serious infection, declares a new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.Nick Michalak, a social psychologist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and lead author of the study told Science News that while there is evidence that people can figure out another person's infection through sight and smell, sound as an indicator has been relatively unexplored."Many organisms, including humans, have developed prophylactic behaviors to prevent pathogens from [causing infection] in the first place," Michalak added.As part of their research, Michalak and his colleagues played short audio clips of coughs from sick and healthy people to over 200 volunteers. They were then asked whether each cough was from someone who was unwell or healthy.Participants were, however, unable to distinguish between the two.[caption id="attachment_8469451" align="alignnone" width="1280"]

Scientists want you to know coughing can't be among the telltale symptoms or indicators of a COVID-19 infection. Image: Pixabay[/caption]According to Michalak, while sight and smell might aid in figuring out whether a person is ill or not, the human ear is unable to distinguish between the two. He also added that with people on high alert due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study should give people some food for thought before jumping to any conclusions based on someone's cough.While coughs are a good diagnostic tool, there has been a lot of confusion regarding whether a cough is harmless or indicates coronavirus infection.A Science Alert report mentions that an occasional cough is healthy. However, one that persists for weeks, produces bloody mucus, changes the phlegm colour and is accompanied by fever, could be a reason to get medical assistance.The report cites Victoria University professor Maja Husaric as saying that since COVID-19 irritates lung tissue, the cough is dry and persistent. It is accompanied by shortness of breath and muscle pain.Currently, over 73 lakh people have been affected in the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. Over 4 lakh people have succumbed to the dreaded disease globally.

10,000 steps a day is not enough: Top doctor explains the role of timing

Walking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial, but experts say timing matters. Short walks after meals and breaking up long periods of sitting may be more effective for blood sugar control and overall metabolic health

3 min read

What happens when you stop drinking tea for 30 days? Doctor explains the effects

Thinking of quitting tea for a month? Experts explain how cutting out caffeine can affect your body, from withdrawal symptoms in the first week to better sleep and improved iron absorption over time.

2 min read

Stroke is rising among young adults. Doctor explains why it's happening and what you must do

Stroke is increasingly affecting adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Experts say unhealthy lifestyles, undiagnosed high blood pressure and delayed treatment are driving the rise in younger stroke cases

3 min read

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.