COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2. According to statistics, most people who test positive for COVID-19 only experience mild or moderate illness. Roughly one in five people experience severe illness and require medical attention. In this article we aim to inform people about what to do if they experience symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified 11 symptoms related to COVID-19. It is possible to confuse initial symptoms with the common cold or flu because some symptoms overlap. You can click here for a distinction between COVID-19 symptoms and other illnesses.
Primary Symptoms
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
Additional Symptoms
- Body aches and pains
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Congestion
What Should You Do If You Think You Have COVID-19 Symptoms?
Stay Home
This is the most important step to take if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, because you don’t want to spread it and infect others. Do not go to work, grocery stores, restaurants, public places, and avoid public transportation. The only reason you should leave your house is to seek medical care. If you need medical care, please call your health care provider beforehand and describe symptoms over the phone. Call 911 in emergency situations and detail your symptoms to the dispatcher.
Isolate From Others
If you live in a house with other people, you need to self-quarantine so that they don’t get sick. Try to stay in one specific room as much as possible, except to use the restroom and shower (this should ideally be a separate restroom). If you have pets in your home, make sure to avoid them as well. If you need to watch an animal or cannot avoid other people, wear a face covering and have others wear face coverings. Make sure that others in your house regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces if you inhabit common areas. Additionally, do not share personal household items like drinking glasses, utensils, bedding, dishes, or cups with other people in your home.
Determine Your Risk
When you call your doctor, he or she will ask questions to determine the severity of your situation. The questions that will most likely come about include:
- Did you recently travel?
- Were you recently in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Has a public health official said that you were exposed to COVID-19?
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
Make sure to provide detailed and accurate information so that the doctor can give the proper recommendations or advice.
Follow The Health Care Provider’s Instructions
As we previously mentioned, the health care provider will give instructions over the phone. You will receive instructions if you need an evaluation and what steps you need to take to ensure a healthy, swift recovery. You may receive recommendations like:
- Monitor your symptoms and call back if fever or respiratory symptoms occur.
- Stay home and await instructions.
- Report to a designated medical facility for evaluation and treatment. Don’t bring family or children to this appointment. Please go alone.
- Go to an emergency clinic if you experience more severe symptoms, including shortness of breath and high fever.
Monitor Your Symptoms
This is a very important step because the severity of your symptoms can determine whether or not you need an emergency hospital visit. Keep track of your symptoms as the days pass, and do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Don’t forget to self-quarantine during this time.
Stay Calm
Because there are so many unknown factors about COVID-19, it can be quite scary if you contract the virus. It is a contagious illness, but doctors learn more and more information about it with each passing day. Stress can compromise immune function, so please stay calm, rest, self-isolate, and do what you can to avoid spreading the illness.
