Don’t let similar symptoms confuse you
The fear of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has begun to cause confusion and chaos all over. COVID-19 mimics flu-like illness. There are various viruses floating around at the same time causing flu-like symptoms hence it is essential to understand what distinguishes COVID-19 from flu.
So how can one differentiate between the two?
- Similar symptoms but different intensity – COVID-19 and flu display similar symptoms. However, the intensity differs, symptoms of flu will appear instantly while symptoms of COVID-19 will appear gradually.
- Difference between the symptoms – According to the World Health Organisation flu symptoms begin with sudden high fever, scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and dry cough. While COVID-19 symptoms begin rather slowly – fever, dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath. There have been cases of COVID-19 symptoms developing into pneumonia. This is worrisome especially for the elderly with health conditions.
- Call to action – What to do if you have flu-like symptoms? Do not rush to the hospital. The chances of you contracting any virus are higher when around people with various infections. To prevent contracting any virus in such situations, contact your doctor over a call before you visit the hospital.
- Prevention – It is recommended instead of using hand sanitizer, wash your hands in short intervals. Avoid standing close to people. As much as you can try to stand away from the crowd. There is a vaccination to prevent flu, it would be a good idea to get a shot as it will help you fight better against the virus.
- Know the viruses – Through the first four months of the outbreak, COVID-19 has killed about 4,300 people. Flu kills 290,000 to 650,000 every year around the world, according to the World Health Organisation. Flu kills about 0.1% of those it infects, but that’s still hundreds of thousands of people each year because it infects millions. To prevent an epidemic caused by the new coronavirus it is important to take precautions.
- Keep in mind – The cases caught in an early part of an outbreak are often the most severe, people with mild or no symptoms aren’t being tested, and sometimes overwhelmed hospitals struggle to care for the sickest patients. Most people infected by the new coronavirus develop mild or moderate symptoms and recover after about two weeks. Various reports have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1% to as high as 4% among cases diagnosed so far, depending on location. Also, be aware of the COVID-19 myth busters by WHO.
If you are feeling under the weather probably it is due to the weather. Don’t let similar symptoms stress you.
Also read about how to avoid infections while traveling, how to prepare for a potential outbreak and precautionary measures for COVID-19.
Thankful for the good sense which contradicts all the rumours which are floated around and amateur advice ! There’s no doubt that the earth and its inhabitants are afloat on a sea of troubles
Great guidance. Thanx it’s helpful
Flu will go after treatments from any of this treatment like – Allopathi, Homeopathy, Ayurveda .
Vivid will not yield easily, requires continuously monitoring.
It is totally unrecognizable sometimes to identify whether it is a corona virus or just flu. Therefore it is better to consult a doctor in such case. Thank you for sharing it with us.