The term "COVID19" has been in our global vernacular since March 2020. Yet, more than 15 months later, the illness still remains a mystery to many.
Largely, this is due to the fact that symptoms of COVID19 can vary from patient to patient. This has resulted in a degree of ambiguity that can lead to questions, concerns, and plenty of late-night Googling.
When it comes to your health, knowledge is power. Today, we're sharing the key signs and symptoms of COVID19 so you know exactly what to look for and the actions to take.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID19?
COVID19, or the coronavirus, can present itself in a range of different ways. While some might feel mild symptoms, others could experience severe illness.
Symptoms normally appear between two and 14 days after you've been exposed to the virus. A few of the most common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Note that this list is not exhaustive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the virus and updates its list of associated symptoms on a regular basis. If you experience mild to moderate symptoms, you can call us to schedule a rapid COVID19 test to confirm a diagnosis from the comfort of your vehicle.
When Should I Seek Emergency Medical Care?
If you experience mild symptoms of COVID19, alert your physician as soon as possible and avoid exposing anyone else. While time is of the essence if any signs are present, it's especially imperative to act quickly if you notice the emergency warning signs of this illness.
These symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Continuous chest pain or pressure
- Inability to awaken or stay awake
- New delirium or confusion
- Skin, lips or nail beds that are pale, gray, or blue-gray in color
While these are the emergency symptoms that the CDC recognizes, you know your body better than anyone. If you suddenly develop other issues that are severe or concerning, call 911 or your local emergency center immediately.
Who Is at Risk?
It's important to understand that anyone can experience mild to severe symptoms of COVID19. However, there are certain populations that are at a heightened risk of experiencing significant complications from the virus. These include:
- Older adults
- People with underlying medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease)
- People with a weakened immune system for any reason (e.g. cancer, malnutrition, certain genetic disorders)
- Pregnant or recently pregnant women
These people could become severely ill if they come into contact with the COVID19 virus. In many cases, this means they may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to assist their breathing. If you fall into any of these populations or live with someone who does, it's important to take preventative steps to protect yourself from this virus.
Protect Yourself and Others From COVID19
While the symptoms of COVID19 can be serious, there are steps you can take today to mitigate your risk of contracting this illness. These include washing your hands, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask in public.
If you begin to feel ill, our team is here for you. We're recognized as the #1 urgent care facility in Riverview and Brandon. Feel free to schedule an appointment online and contact us with any questions!