With news of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) dominating the mass media, you may be worried about contracting the disease. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19. Even so, you should be aware of the symptoms of the disease you are experiencing. If you're worried about contracting COVID-19, stay home and call your doctor to see if you need to be screened and treated.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Watch out for the Symptoms
Step 1. Observe respiratory symptoms such as coughing
Because COVID-19 causes respiratory infections, symptoms such as coughing, either phlegm or dryness, are common. However, coughing may also be a symptom of allergies or other respiratory infections. So try not to worry too much. Call your doctor if you suspect that your cough is caused by COVID-19.
- Think back to whether you have been around sick people. If so, you are more likely to catch their disease. If these people are really sick, try to stay away from them in the first place.
- If you cough, stay away from people with weak immune systems or at high risk of complications such as seniors 65 years of age or older, newborns, pregnant women, and those taking immunosuppressant medications.
Step 2. Take your temperature to see if you have a fever
Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19 infection. So, make sure to always measure your body temperature if you are worried about contracting this virus. A fever over 38 degrees C may indicate that you have COVID-19 or another infection. If you have a fever, call your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
If you have a fever, you are more likely to pass the infection on. So, avoid contact with other people
Step 3. Seek medical care if you have breathing problems or shortness of breath
COVID-19 can cause serious breathing problems. Call your doctor or emergency room immediately if you have trouble breathing. You may have a serious infection, such as COVID-19.
You may need extra care for breathing problems. So, make sure to always consult a doctor if you are short of breath
Tip:
COVID-19 can cause pneumonia in some patients. Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you have breathing problems.
Step 4. Understand that sore throats and colds may signal another infection
Although it infects the respiratory tract, COVID-19 does not usually cause a sore throat or runny nose. The more common symptoms are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of a respiratory infection may indicate that you have another illness, such as a cold or the common cold. However, check with your doctor to be sure.
It's natural to be afraid of getting infected with COVID-19 when you're sick. However, you may not need to worry if you experience symptoms other than fever, cough, and shortness of breath
Part 2 of 3: Getting an Official Diagnosis
Step 1. Call your doctor if you suspect you have COVID-19
Tell your doctor your symptoms and ask if you can come to the clinic or hospital for a check-up. Your doctor may advise you to stay home and rest. However, your doctor may also ask you to come and undergo laboratory tests to determine the cause of the infection. Follow your doctor's advice so you can recover and not spread the infection.
Remember that there is no cure for COVID-19 infection yet. So, doctors can't prescribe medication for you
Tip:
Tell your doctor if you have recently traveled or met a sick person. This information can help your doctor determine whether your symptoms may be due to COVID-19.
Step 2. Get lab tests if your doctor recommends it
Your doctor may take a mucus sample from your nose or a blood sample to check for infection. This check will help them rule out other possible infections and possibly, confirm COVID-19 infection. Let the doctor take a sample from the nose or blood to make a proper diagnosis.
Sampling of the nose or blood should not be painful although it may be a little uncomfortable
Do you know?
Generally, the doctor will isolate you in a room while waiting for the results of the examination. If you suspect you have COVID-19, your doctor will send you a laboratory sample to confirm your illness.
Step 3. Seek emergency medical attention if you are short of breath
Try not to worry too much, but serious COVID-19 infection can lead to complications like pneumonia. If you have difficulty breathing, visit your doctor or emergency room immediately. If you are alone, call an ambulance so you can get to the hospital immediately.
Difficulty breathing could be a sign that you are experiencing complications. Your doctor can help provide the care needed for your recovery
Part 3 of 3: Cure COVID-19
Step 1. Stay home so you don't risk infecting others
You are most likely to transmit the disease. So, don't leave the house while you feel sick. Also, let other people know that you are sick so they don't come to visit.
- If you go to the doctor, wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Ask your doctor if you can go home and go about your normal activities. You may be infectious for up to 14 days.
Step 2. Rest to recuperate
The best thing you can do is rest and relax while your body is fighting the infection. Lie down on the bed or sofa supporting your upper body with pillows. Also, keep a blanket in your room to use when you're cold.
Elevating your upper body will help reduce coughing. If you don't have enough pillows, use a folded blanket or towel for support
Step 3. Use pain and fever relievers
COVID-19 often causes body aches and fever. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or paracetamol (Panadol, Sanmol) can help. Ask your doctor if over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for you to use. After that, use the medicine according to the directions on the package.
- Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents under 18 years of age because it can cause a fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
- Even if your symptoms do not improve, do not take more than the amount stated on the label as safe.
Step 4. Use a humidifier to clear your throat and airway
Chances are, you will have a sore throat and stuffy nose. A humidifier can help with that. The steam from this device will moisten the throat and airway, thereby relieving sore throats. In addition, moist air can also help thin mucus.
- Follow the instructions on the appliance to use it safely.
- Wash the humidifier thoroughly with soap and water between uses to prevent mold build-up.
Step 5. Drink plenty of fluids to help the body recover
The fluids will help the body fight infection and loosen mucus. Drink water, hot water, or tea to meet the body's fluid needs. In addition, eat broth soup to increase fluid intake.
Warm liquids are the best option and may also relieve a sore throat. Try drinking hot water or warm tea with lemon juice and a spoonful of honey
Tips
- If possible, try to stay at home to reduce the spread of the disease. By avoiding yourself and others from exposure to the virus, you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- The incubation period for COVID-19 is about 2-14 days. So, you will most likely not feel any symptoms immediately after being infected.
- Airports around the world have started checking for symptoms in travelers, especially those arriving from countries with COVID-19 cases. This is an attempt to minimize the outbreak.
- Even if you are not sick, try to keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people to help stop the spread of the virus.
Warning
- COVID-19 can cause serious complications. Call your doctor right away if you experience shortness of breath or if your symptoms get worse.
- According to the CDC, COVID-19 can be transmitted from people who don't even show active symptoms. So, it's a good idea to be more vigilant about avoiding close contact with everyone who has been around sick people.
