Many ailments share symptoms. Under ordinary circumstances, people struggle to decide if they should call their local health provider when they or other family members feel sick. COVID-19 has complicated the situation.
Common signs a person has become ill include sore throat, cough, fever, tiredness, runny nose, aches and pains, and an upset stomach—in a variety of combinations. Causes include environmental irritants such as allergens or infections, often from bacteria or viruses.
Viruses are extremely tiny infectious agents. They multiply in the living cells of a host organism like an animal or a human being, and spread from host to host. The subgroup called coronaviruses includes many varieties, some highly infectious and dangerous.
COVID-19, shares some initial similar symptoms with other common respiratory infections. Although our understanding of COVID-19 continues to expand (and sometimes people can be asymptomatic and still be positive), the following breakdown of typical symptoms by type of ailment may help guide next steps. It’s important to note, that as new COVID strains come on the scene, symptoms can vary.
Play it safe. Get your vaccines and if you have been exposed to someone sick: stay home and away from others; monitor symptoms; see your provider/get tested; rest; stay hydrated and treat symptoms. When you go out, make sure to socially distance yourself from others and in public places, wear a mask (that covers your nose and mouth); continue to wash hands with soap and often; use hand sanitizer and disinfect often-touched surfaces.
Did You Know?
- Viruses are infectious agents that multiply in the living cells of a host organism, such as an animal or a human being, and spread from host to host. Viruses cause colds, flu and COVID-19.
- The subgroup of viruses called coronaviruses are named for the crown-shaped spikes that can be seen microscopically on their surface.
- Coronaviruses cause illnesses of varying severity, including some strains of the common cold as well as the more serious COVID-19.
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