As I’m writing this post, the world is still battling a new type of coronavirus which has already devastated millions of lives worldwide.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes symptoms oddly similar to those of the flu and the common cold. From cough to sneezing or sore throat, any sign can be anything. Now that we’re in the middle of the flu season, putting the right diagnosis is even bigger since there are so many common symptoms.
Generally, COVID-19 comes with one or more of the following key signs:
- Cough
- Fever
- Change/loss in the sense of taste or smell
But how can we tell whether these symptoms are a reason of concern or not? Let’s get into detail about what to do.
High temperature
Specialists consider that one has a fever if their temperature is 100.4°F (38°C).
Although fever can make you feel weak and tired, it’s actually a good sign. Your body’s temperature increases when the immune system is fighting off an infection caused by a bacterium or a virus.
In the current context, it can either be the influenza virus (the flu) or the SARS-CoV-2 virus (coronavirus).
Unfortunately, if you’re suffering from fever, it’s very unlikely that you’re dealing with a common cold, so you should take it seriously. Make sure to isolate yourself from others and take a coronavirus test if you notice any additional symptoms such as a cough.
Cough
Much like fever, cough is a common symptom which mostly appears due to the flu, smoking excessively or pneumonia. Now it’s also one of the main symptoms for COVID-19, so if you suddenly experience it, it may be time to contact your doctor.
Specialists have found that coronavirus coughs involve coughing intensely for more than one hour or having at least three severe coughing episodes within 24 hours. In simple terms, the COVID-19 cough appears all of a sudden and is usually aggressive right from the start.
With the common cold, you’ll develop a cough gradually and it’s usually not that severe. As for the flu, the cough is accompanied by chills, headaches, sore throat and a stuffed nose.
The best thing you can do for a new cough is to self-isolate until you evaluate your symptoms and discuss your testing options with a doctor.
Change/loss of smell or taste
Of all the symptoms caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, this is probably the most flagrant. Very few other illnesses can bring a change or loss in your senses of smell or taste; in fact, this is the only symptom many COVID-19 patients experience.
If you can’t feel certain smells or tastes as intensely as usual, it’s best to wait it out a bit and test your senses with strong flavors. While some people lose their taste and smell suddenly, for others it happens gradually over the span of a few hours or even days.
Either way, this symptom should be enough proof to take a coronavirus test safely.
Sneezing/runny nose
These symptoms might sometimes signal that your body is fighting off a virus, but they can also be nothing to worry about. After all, even wiping the dust off our furniture can cause sneezing, right?
As a rule of thumb, sneezing is not a symptom for COVID-19. It actually appears much more frequently in common colds, accompanied by a runny or blocked nose.
However, if you do experience this symptom along with a fever and/or sudden cough, it’s best to take into account the possibility of it being COVID-19 as well.
When you’re unsure about your symptoms, the following measures are recommended to keep others safe:
- Avoid public facilities and crowded spaces (even outdoors)
- Keep distance and avoid meetings with those not in your household
These are the best things you can do until you discover the exact cause of your symptoms. Even if it’s not COVID-19, you may still be diagnosed with the flu, which can also deeply affect high-risk categories of people.