Reports show that patients that tested positive for coronavirus showed different symptoms. Here is what to do when you feel sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“As this pandemic unfolds, it’s becoming very clear that the symptoms of COVID vary quite a lot from person to person, and there are a lot of symptoms that we previously didn’t appreciate were related to COVID,” said Andrew Chan, a professor of immunology and infectious disease at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
“As a result, it’s really put us behind in our ability to identify people with COVID infections, and probably resulted in a lot of people walking around with COVID-19 and not knowing it," he said.
People who suddenly feel sick should stay home and only go out to get medical care. CDC explains that people with COVID-19 manifest mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. With this, one should not leave the house nor visit public areas, except to get medical care.
One should rest and drink lots of water. Taking over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen can help one feel better.
Communicating with the doctor can help one determine how to take care of oneself. However, one must get care immediately if there is trouble with breathing or have any other emergency warning signs.
Outside, one must avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
At home, one should stay in a specific room and not join other people and pets at home. One should wear a cloth face covering if there is a need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home.
Coronavirus symptoms
People should watch for common symptoms of COVID-19. These include cough, fever, or other symptoms.
Trouble breathing is a serious symptom that warrants medical attention. Other serious symptoms are persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face.
Local health authorities may assist people on checking their symptoms and reporting information.
According to a report by the World Health Organization in February, the most common symptoms were fever and dry cough. Other symptoms were fatigue, sputum production, shortness of breath, sore throat, and headache.
Hygiene, safety practices
People should practice covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Then, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. One can use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Hand washing is important after blowing one's nose, coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food.
People should be cautious about touching their nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.
At home, it is important that family members must not share personal household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, towels, and utensils.
They should wash these items with soap and water or place them in the dishwasher.
Disinfecting surfaces
The person who feels sick must ensure the cleanliness of high-touch surfaces in their “sick room” and bathroom. Someone else can disinfect surfaces in common areas.
According to CDC, high-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
When sharing a bathroom, the caregiver or companion must wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.
