Any one of us who feel unwell may have wondered about this in recent days and weeks of rising cases of COVID-19.
Although the chances of your COVID-19 are much lower than the risk that you will have a common cold or flu, you need to be aware of what to look for and where to get help.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS?
Fever, tiredness and dry cough are the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Some people may have a sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, nasal inflammation, discomfort, and aches or diarrhea. Our body temperature typically ranges between 36 and 37 ° Celsius; therefore any temperature above 38 is known as fever, so you can keep a close eye on that.
Symptoms typically are mild and start slowly. It normally manifests three to four days after the virus exposure, but sometimes up to fourteen days later.
However, there are people who will get sick after virus exposure but will not show symptoms or feel uncomfortable. Around 80% of people who tested positive to COVID-19 will recover without any special medical treatment.
Nonetheless, one in six will become critically ill and may have trouble breathing.
Most likely, elderly people and people with chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes may develop a severe illness.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COVID-19 AND FLU?
Though both COVID-19 and Flu can cause respiratory symptoms, there are significant differences. According to medical reports, Flu symptoms often include muscle pain and headache, but in COVID-19 these symptoms are rare.
The type of person affected is another distinction between the two diseases. Until now, extreme COVID-19 has affected mostly the elderly and chronically ill.
To date, COVID-19 has not greatly impacted healthy individuals, children and pregnant women who can become very sick from the flu.
However, health authorities have advised younger adults not to be complacent about their risk from coronavirus, since it’s not impossible for them to have a severe form of the disease.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?
If you are ill and suspect that you have COVID-19 symptoms, you need to call in advance to make an appointment before you visit your nearest GP or hospital clinic.
In order to plan for your appointment, you must also say ahead of time your symptoms, travel history, and any recent interactions with someone who has COVID-19.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN OVERSEAS RECENTLY?
If you have returned from another country and are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, headaches, sore throat, fatigue, sweats, chills or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor or local hospital.
Again, you need to call ahead so the doctor is aware of your symptoms and travel history before you visit the clinic.
Most importantly, you need to self -isolate for 14 days and only visit the hospital if you have severe symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA BEFORE GETTING TESTED FOR COVID-19?
Testing methods may include a blood test, a swab test inside your nose or in the back of your throat, or a sputum test, which examines a mix of saliva and mucus.
You will only be tested if your doctor decides you meet the criteria:
- You have returned from overseas in the past 14 days and you develop a respiratory illness with or without fever
- You have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days and you develop a respiratory illness with or without fever
- You have severe community-acquired pneumonia and there is no clear cause
- You are a healthcare worker who works directly with patients and you have a respiratory illness and a fever
- At this stage, if you do not have any symptoms, you will not be tested for COVID-19.
- If you’re feeling unwell but don’t meet the testing criteria, it’s still important to stay home and avoid contact with others.