COVID Symptoms

COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by coronaviruses, is an infection of the lungs. Doctors call this being asymptomatic. Most people have mild symptom that go away on their own. Some people will experience severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing. If you have a health condition such as heart disease, or are older, your symptoms may be more severe.

What to look out for if you suspect you may have COVID-19.

Common Symptoms

People who are infected with COVID-19 often have:

• Fever or chills
• Dry cough and shortness in breath
• Feeling tired
• Muscle or body pain
• Headache
• Loss of smell or taste
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny Nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

The symptoms of the virus can begin anywhere between 2 and 14 days after your contact.

Emergency Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call a doctor immediately.

• Trouble Breathing
• You may feel constant pressure or pain in your chest
• Bluish lips and face
• Sudden confusion
• You have a difficult time staying awake

You should seek medical attention as soon as you can if you suffer from any of the above symptoms. Call your doctor or hospital to make an appointment before you arrive. It will allow them to prepare for your treatment and ensure the safety of medical staff and others.

Some people with COVID-19 have also reported strokes. Remember to FAST!

• Facial. Does one side of a person’s facial droop or feel numb? Does their smile appear lopsided to you?
• Arms. Does one arm feel weak or numb when raised? Does one arm sag when they raise both arms?
• Speech. Are they able to speak clearly? Ask them to repeat the sentence.
• Timing. Each minute counts when a person shows signs of stroke. Call 911 immediately.

The FDA has approved the antiviral drug Remdesivir( Veklury). It is intended for hospitalized patients. Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir have emergency authorization to treat COVID-19. They should be administered orally as quickly as possible.

In some cases, the FDA has authorized doctors to prescribe medications not yet approved by the FDA for COVID-19. These include monoclonal anti-bodies.

Other COVID-19 symptoms

COVID-19 may also cause other problems, including:

• Pinkeye
• Swollen eyes
• Fainting
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Coughing blood
• Blood Clots
• Seizures
• Heart Problems
• Kidney Damage
• Liver Problems or Damage

Doctors have reported that COVID-19 can cause rashes, such as purple or blue lesions in children’s feet and toes. Researchers are investigating these reports to better understand how COVID-19 affects people.

Children with Symptoms

Researchers have found that children tend to show many of the COVID-19 symptoms adults do, but in a milder form. Even if a child is symptom-free, they can spread the virus.

Common symptoms in children include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

Children and teenagers who have COVID-19 in hospital may also be suffering from an inflammatory disorder that is linked to the coronavirus. The doctors call it the pediatric multisystem inflammation syndrome (PMIS). The symptoms include fever, rash, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. This condition is similar to Kawasaki, or toxic shock.

When Should You Get Tested For COVID-19

Test yourself for COVID-19, if you:

• You have symptoms of the virus
• You have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19. (Take the test at least five days after your last encounter).
• Your school, workplace, state or local health department, tribal or territorial health department, or health care provider has asked you to be tested (regardless if you’ve had a vaccination).

How to check for fever

It is possible that your body temperature is higher or lower than another person’s. The temperature can also change throughout the day. A doctor will generally define a fever as anything above 100.4 F in the oral thermometer or 100.8 F in the rectal thermometer for an adult.

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to the virus or have symptoms, you should isolate yourself. Check your temperature each morning and night for 10 days. Track the readings. COVID-19 is most commonly characterized by a fever, which can sometimes be below 100 F.

What type of cough is common in people with the coronavirus infection?

COVID-19 is characterized by a dry, aching cough that can be felt in the chest.

What to do if you think that your symptoms are mild?

If you experience milder symptoms such as a cough, shortness or breath, or a temperature:

• If you do not need medical attention, stay home. Call your doctor or the hospital for advice if you need to enter.
• Inform your doctor of your illness. You may need more information if you are at a high risk for complications due to your age or health condition.
• Isolate yourself. It is important to isolate yourself as much as you can, including family members. Use a “sick” room and a separate bathroom, if possible.
• If you must be in the presence of others, wear a mask. You can also wear a mask around people who live with you. When wearing a mask, it may be difficult to breathe. Keep at least six feet away from other people and cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. Then, wash your hands for at least 20 second with soap. According to the CDC, respirator masks that fit well (like KN95s or N95s) provide better protection than fabric masks.
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest. You may feel better if you take over-the-counter medications.
• Track your symptoms. Get medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen.

What does shortness of breath feel like?

Doctors call shortness of breathe dyspnea. You can experience shortness of breath.

• Feel tightness in the chest
• You can’t catch your breathe
• Can’t get enough air into your lungs
• Can’t breathe deeply
• Smothering is drowning or suffocating
• You have to work harder to breathe in and out
• You need to breathe out before you can breathe in

Monitor your oxygen levels and contact your doctor if your oxygen level drops below 80. Call 911 if your lips or face turn bluish.

Care for someone with COVID-19 symptoms

Follow these steps to protect your health when you are caring for someone who is sick:

• As much as possible, limit your contact. Separate rooms are best. Use a window or a fan to increase airflow if you must be in the same space.
• When you are together, ask the sick person to wear a protective mask that fits well. Wear one yourself.
• Share items such as electronics, bedding or dishes with others.
• When handling someone else’s laundry, dishes or trash, use gloves. After you are done, remove the gloves and clean your hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces like doorknobs and light switches.
• Take good care of yourself. Rest and eat well. Look out for symptoms of COVID-19.