With more than 108,000 confirmed cases worldwide and 423 cases in the United States alone — numbers that are rising every day — people are encouraged to monitor their own health for symptoms of COVID-19, this dangerous new strain of the coronavirus. It’s important to recognize these signs, how they may differ from the symptoms of other ailments, and what you can expect if you experience these symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list three primary symptoms of coronavirus:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
The World Health Organization (WHO) expands upon that list a bit, adding fatigue as a common symptom. The WHO also notes that some people may experience aches and pains or, more rarely, a sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms tend to arise anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus; they often come on gradually.
It’s important to note that although COVID-19 fatalities get a lot of media attention, many infected people experience mild symptoms, and most people recover without requiring serious intervention and treatment. Some people may recover without ever realizing they had the virus. This may mean that the fatality rate is different than what is being reported based on known COVID-19 cases.
Is it COVID-19 or the flu or the common cold?
While symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold may all be similar, cold symptoms tend to peak within a couple of days, and fevers are rarely associated with a cold. Though COVID-19 and the flu come from different viruses, the symptoms are similar enough that you will probably not know which you have unless you get tested.
If you believe you may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or if symptoms start to worsen after a week, you should seek medical assistance.
What to expect from COVID-19
The coronavirus is generally spread from person to person via respiratory droplets. For example, if an infected person coughs and the droplets land on a surface, someone else could contract the virus after touching the surface then touching their own face. It’s also possible to breathe in those droplets if you’re in close proximity to an infected person.
If you contract COVID-19, you might see symptoms within two to 14 days. However, many people don’t experience any symptoms at all. Approximately one in six people develop trouble breathing; these serious cases require medical attention. Underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can increase your risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19. The elderly are also at increased risk.
Most people will get better in about a week. For those who don’t, symptoms may worsen after about five days. At this point, you should contact your medical provider. It’s important to call ahead and inform the hospital that you may have COVID-19 so they can take the appropriate steps to prevent infecting others.
Protecting yourself and others
To avoid being infected with COVID-19, the best thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly and often. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid contact with those who are sick.
If you are sick, this is how you can help prevent the spread of illness:
- Stay home, except to seek medical care
- Call the doctor to let them know you’re coming and you may have COVID-19
- Cough into a tissue and dispose of it immediately, then wash your hands
- Avoid sharing items with other people in your home
- Disinfect surfaces regularly
- Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen
To stay healthy, be proactive. Wash your hands, watch for symptoms, and take the necessary steps to protect others and seek assistance as required.
If you’re concerned you might have COVID-19, please contact us to get connected with top-rated medical providers in your area.
