Coronavirus, How To Tell You Have It And It’s Not The Flu?
Coronavirus, as you well know by now is a very serious illness. Do you know its symptoms? Could you tell the difference between it and the flu — or just a bad cold? Well, if you’re not sure, now would be a good time to find out.
Coronavirus, (COVID-19) in most cases, starts with a fever.
There’s usually a cough that comes with it, and also in some-but not all cases, shortness of breath.
But, the fact is, most people with a mild case of COVID-19, that’s pretty much the extent of unpleasant symptoms. And, therefore, that’s pretty much an overlap with the flu or any other respiratory illness.
Indeed, a severe case of the flu can make you feel worse. The flu usually comes with a longer list of symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. This is not the case, so far with the Coronavirus. Indeed, 80 percent diagnosed with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.
Only 14 percent have reported chest pain and have developed pneumonia. The most severely affected are senior citizens and others with serious underlying health conditions.
That’s not to say, that the coronavirus will stay this way, as it’s just too early to tell.
Coronavirus: Symptoms
Mild COVID-19 cases:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
Severe COVID-19 cases:
- chest pain
- pneumonia
If you experience any of these three primary symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath) call your doctor immediately.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, stay home and avoid public areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises. Washing your hands often and wiping down frequently touched surfaces also reduces the risk of getting others sick.
There is no cure yet for COVID-19, just relief from symptoms. Therefore, if you think you’re experiencing symptoms — get yourself to a doctor-quickly.
Take Protective Action
Wash your hands often and stay away from sick people — at least six feet away.
The reason to keep your distance is because this disease is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Droplets that can come from a sneeze or a cough. Transmission into your body comes from breathing in those droplets.
Therefore, avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. And if you do need to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover it.
The biggest population risk is with senior citizens. Many seniors have weakened immune systems and other medical conditions.
Stay vigilant.