Covid-19 is a contagious disease caused by the novel coronavirus and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The entire world is now battling with the rising number of cases. At this time, misinformation can be dangerous. Having the right knowledge about symptoms of the diseases and essential health care precautions is extremely necessary.
One should not forget that this is also the time of changing weather conditions in India, which gives rise to common cold and flu. Instead of panicking, the need of the hour is to self-isolate by staying indoors and practicing basic hygiene like washing hands and covering sneeze or cough with tissues.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
The major symptoms of coronavirus disease include dry cough, sneezing and itchy throat. The infected person is also likely to have high fever, fatigue, headache and breathing difficulty. Some people may also show severe symptoms like diarrhoea and body ache. Owing to the infection, pneumonia can also occur in serious cases.
These symptoms may start appearing anywhere between 2 to 14 days after coming in contact with the infection. It is known as the incubation period.
However, those with a stronger immune system may start showing milder symptoms and reducing problems. This implies that their body is fighting against the disease effectively. The time taken for a person to recover from the infection is between two to six weeks.
How Does it Differ from Common Cold or Flu?
Typically, the symptoms of flu also include coughing, sneezing and sore throat. In addition, the person would complain about stuffy or running nose, fever and fatigue. So, it can be really confusing to tell the difference.
However, there is a way to know whether or not it is a coronavirus-induced symptom. Unlike Covid-19 where a person may not show symptoms initially, the symptoms of seasonal flu would usually occur suddenly. Moreover, the recovery period is shorter. The incubation period too is lesser, ranging from one to four days.
Diarrhoea is unlikely in case of flu. The person would usually get well in less than two weeks. When it comes to prevention and cure, there are vaccines available for the flu. For common cold, on the other hand, there is no particular treatment and usually, it stays not more than a week.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Self-isolation is the first thing for anyone showing the common symptoms of cold or flu and Covid-19. Medical help must be sought without delay. Presently, there is no vaccination or anti-viral drugs available for this new type of coronavirus. Supportive medical care aimed at relief from the symptoms is the only form of treatment. So, precaution is the only way to protect one’s health form this disease.
Regular washing of hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer is a habit that needs to be followed religiously in critical times like a pandemic. Maintaining social distance and following respiratory hygiene is also a must.
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