Millions of people have been on the alert since news began to circulate about the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease known as COVID-19 - formerly called 2019-nCoV). Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself against the coronavirus. It is important to take symptoms seriously if you think you are ill. Do you think you have COVID-19? Stay at home, contact a doctor and see if there is a need for an examination and treatment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Paying Attention to Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for respiratory symptoms such as coughing
As the coronavirus is a respiratory infection, the first symptom presented is a cough (with or without mucus production). Don't worry so much though: coughing spells are also symptoms of allergies and other such infections. Go to the emergency room right away if you think you really have the virus.
- Think about whether you have had recent contact with someone who was ill. If so, you probably ended up contracting that person's infection. Also, avoid even getting close to anyone who is very ill.
- If you start to cough, stay away from people who have weak immune systems or are at high risk for complications, such as those 65 and older, newborns, young children, pregnant women, and those taking immunosuppressants.
Step 2. Take your temperature and see if you have a fever
Since fever is one of the common symptoms of the coronavirus, you have to take your own temperature often. It may be a case of coronavirus if it exceeds 38 °Celsius. In that case, go to the emergency room immediately.
If you find you have a fever, avoid any kind of contact with people
Step 3. Seek treatment if you experience breathing problems or shortness of breath
Coronaviruses cause respiratory problems, which are always serious symptoms. Go to the emergency room right away to determine what's going on if you have any such difficulties.
Consult your doctor whenever you experience shortness of breath as you may need additional treatments
Tip:
the coronavirus outbreak that began in China in 2019 is causing pneumonia in some patients. See a doctor if you have any problems breathing.
Step 4. Understand that sore throat and runny nose are symptoms of different infections
Despite being a respiratory infection, the coronavirus does not cause a sore throat or runny nose. The most common symptoms are cough, fever and shortness of breath. Other signs probably indicate that the condition is not a coronavirus, but a common cold or flu. Anyway, see a doctor to be sure.
It's normal to be nervous about the coronavirus when you're sick, but don't worry if you have other symptoms (other than fever, cough, and shortness of breath)
Method 2 of 3: Seeking an Official Diagnosis
Step 1. See a doctor if you think you are infected with coronavirus
Talk to your doctor if you have the characteristic symptoms of coronavirus and ask if you need any tests. Depending on the case, he may recommend just home rest or ask to make an appointment as soon as possible. Follow the instructions to the letter to recover quickly and have less risk of spreading the infection.
An antigen test can be done to indicate if you have already contracted the coronavirus. This test cannot be used to diagnose an ongoing infection
Tip:
tell your doctor if you have recently traveled (especially to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, or Japan) or had contact with a person or animal that could be infected. Thus, it will help determine whether or not your symptoms indicate coronavirus.
Step 2. Perform a medically recommended clinical examination to detect coronavirus
Your doctor may order a blood test or a nasal swab of the mucus you make to see if there is an infection. So he'll be able to rule out other problems and even confirm the coronavirus. Do not delay, as the diagnosis must be made as soon as possible.
These blood and mucus collections do not hurt, but they can cause slight discomfort
Did you know?
The doctor can quarantine you immediately while doing tests. While the test result does not come out, avoid sharing objects such as glasses and cutlery with others and use a mask whenever you talk to someone.
Step 3. Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience shortness of breath
Don't be so worried, but remember that serious coronavirus infections can cause complications such as pneumonia. Go to the emergency room right away if you have difficulty breathing. If you are alone, call an ambulance or the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu).
Having breathing problems can indicate other complications. The doctor will suggest a suitable treatment for you
Method 3 of 3: Treating Coronavirus
Step 1. Stay at home so you don't infect others
If you have respiratory symptoms, you are certainly contagious - and you shouldn't go out in public for now. During this period, the best thing to do is to rest and ask no one to visit your house until the situation improves.
- Wear a surgical mask when going to the emergency room to avoid spreading the virus.
- Ask your doctor when you can resume your routine. In general, the contagion period lasts up to 14 days.
Step 2. Rest while your body recovers
The best thing to do for now is rest and relax while your body fights the infection. Lie down on your bed or sofa and put pillows behind your back and behind your head, and cover yourself with a blanket.
Elevate your torso and head slightly to reduce coughing spells. If necessary, improvise with towels and folded blankets
Step 3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve fever and pain
Coronavirus causes fever and body aches, but you can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen to control these signs somewhat. Still, consult the doctor beforehand to find out if he has any contraindications and follow the instructions and the package insert to the letter.
- Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents under 18 years of age. It can cause Reye syndrome, a problem with high death rates.
- Do not exceed the dosage recommended by the package insert or doctor, even if you are not noticing effects.
Step 4. Use a humidifier to open the airway and dilute the mucus
The humidifier releases steam into the airways and helps reduce throat inflammation and mucus production.
- Follow the humidifier box instructions for use.
- Sanitize the humidifier with water and detergent whenever you use it to prevent mold growth.
Step 5. Increase your fluid intake while recovering
Drinking fluid thins the mucus and helps fight infection. Hydrate yourself with water (normal and hot), tea and even broths and soups.
Take warm fluids, which also relieve sore throat. For example: add lemon drops and a spoon of honey to hot water or tea just before drinking
Tips
- Because coronavirus has an incubation period of two to 14 days, you will likely not notice symptoms once you become infected.
- Practice isolation and social distancing even when you are not sick. This decreases your chances of contracting and spreading the virus.ref>https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html