Coronavirus is a deadly disease caused by SARS-CoV–2. COVID-19 can spread among both humans and animals. The coronavirus disease spreads through the droplets when the infected sneezes, coughs, or talks. However, the droplets are not the only way they spread coronavirus. The virus mutates and spreads fast like any other virus among people.
The people who are diagnosed with the infection show a range of symptoms. All these symptoms are not common in every infected individual, though. The symptoms can range from mild fever to severe cough. Delta and omicron are the new variants that emerged from the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. The symptoms are similar for the different strains of coronavirus.
The transmission of the COVID-19 virus has become easier as it travels in the air. Taking necessary precautions can help in avoiding infection. The odds of symptoms become higher for older people. Hence, it is vital to be aware of the symptoms and take the necessary steps.
The virus makes a person weak. It is hard to bring back the healthy self after the infection in most cases. In this write-up, read about the various symptoms of the novel Coronavirus and how it can affect a person.
Symptoms Of Coronavirus
The symptoms of novel coronavirus are very common. These symptoms can be mild or severe. They become visible after 2 to 14 days from getting the infection. Following are the symptoms of deadly coronavirus in an individual:
Fever
Cough
Chills
Shortness of Breath
Repeated Shaking along with Chills
Muscle Pains
Sore Throat
Headaches
Loss of Smell or Taste
Congestion or Runny Nose
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Consequently, fever and cough are the most common ones seen among infected individuals. Some individuals may also not contradict or show the symptoms. Such people are asymptomatic. But they still can spread the virus to others.
Older people and medically-ill individuals are at a higher risk of getting severe fever and other symptoms. They need extra care to prevent themselves from getting infected. It is vital to take major precautions when going out for keeping yourself safe.
How to Diagnose COVID-19 Symptoms?
A COVID-19 test can diagnose whether you are infected or not. The number of testing centres depends upon the area you live in. The local health department or COVID-19 care number will help you find the nearest testing centre. There are multiple hospitals and testing centres that also offer drive-through testing to prevent the further spread.
After reaching the drive-through centre, a medical expert will come to collect the sample. Some centres may also ask you to collect the sample yourself. COVID-19 samples are collected through a nasal swab. It may take two or a few hours to a couple of days for the result to be out.
Till the time the result is out, you should self-isolate. Isolation will be a way of preventing the infection from spreading to your acquaintances. Sometimes the negative test is not an assurance. It is because the symptoms, such as fever, cough, etc., take time to show.
How COVID-19 Symptoms are Different from Flu
The symptoms of Coronavirus, including fever, cough, and headaches, are similar to the symptoms of flu. Both of the infections are respiratory illnesses. However, both of these are caused by a different virus. Flu is the effect of the influenza virus, whereas COVID-19 is the by-product of SARS-CoV-2.
Flu is not as contagious as Coronavirus. The spread of COVID-19 is rapid, with more severe illness. Since some symptoms of flu and coronavirus are the same (such as fever, cough etc.), it may be difficult to tell the difference. To differentiate the two, testing is necessary when you see the symptoms.
Different states have different quarantine requirements to test the difference. It is also vital to get tested in some cities before visiting.
Conclusion
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can work as a protective barrier between you and the virus. The vaccine does not guarantee 100% safety against the virus. But it can not let the symptoms go severe. Fever and cough at a mild level can not be fatal.
If you have any of the symptoms, try to contact a medical expert as soon as possible. The right consultation can help in understanding your situation. Also, informing them beforehand can help them prepare to treat you better. It will also protect themselves and others in the medical institution.
Researchers are on a constant stroll to find a stronger solution for COVID-19. Till now, vaccination is the only way to protect people from the deadly experience of the virus. In many cases, monoclonal antibodies are also used to treat infected individuals.