With news related to the COVID-19 coronavirus now dominating all the news cycles, you may be worried about getting sick. While it's true that the coronavirus is spreading globally, it doesn't necessarily mean you need to worry too much about getting it. However, it is important to take your symptoms seriously if you think you are sick. If you suspect you are infected, stay home and contact your doctor to find out if you need medical attention and get tested.
Note: for up-to-date information on the Italian situation, consult the website of the Ministry of Health.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Symptoms
Step 1. Watch out for respiratory symptoms such as cough
Since coronavirus is a respiratory tract infection, coughing, whether oily or dry, is a common symptom. However, a cough can also be a symptom of allergies or a different respiratory infection, so try not to worry. Call your doctor if you think your cough is caused by the coronavirus.
- Consider having been around a sick person. If this is the case, it is very likely that you have been infected with his illness. Do your best to stay away from sick people.
- If you have a cough, stay away from people who have weak immune systems or who are at risk of complications, such as the elderly, infants, children, pregnant women, and those on immunosuppressive drug therapy.
Step 2. Check if you have a fever
Since fever is a common symptom of the coronavirus, always check your body temperature if you suspect you are infected with the virus. A fever over 38 ° C could still be a sign of a viral infection. If you have a fever, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
If you have a fever, it could be contagious; therefore avoid contact with other people
Step 3. Get medical attention if you have breathing problems or shortness of breath
Coronavirus can cause breathing problems, which is always a serious symptom. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help if you have difficulty breathing. It could be a serious infection, just like the coronavirus.
You may need additional care for breathing problems, so always see your doctor if you are short of breath
Advise:
COVID-19 causes pneumonia in some patients; therefore do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have breathing problems.
Step 4. Understand that a sore throat and runny nose may indicate a different infection
Although the coronavirus is a respiratory infection, it does not typically cause a sore throat or a runny nose. Its most common symptoms are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of a respiratory infection likely indicate that you have another illness, such as the flu or a common cold. Call your doctor to be sure.
It is understandable that you are nervous about the coronavirus if you feel bad. If you still have other symptoms aside from fever, cough and breathlessness, you probably don't need to worry
Part 2 of 3: Obtaining an Official Diagnosis
Step 1. Call your doctor if you suspect you have coronavirus
Tell your doctor that you have symptoms and ask if you need to make an appointment for the visit. Your doctor may advise you to stay home and rest, but they may also order tests to determine what it is. Follow their instructions so you can get better and avoid the chances of spreading the infection.
The antibody test is a type of test that can detect a past infection. These types of tests cannot be used to diagnose a current infection
Advise:
tell your doctor if you have recently traveled or if you have come into contact with a sick person. This can help him determine if your symptoms are caused by the coronavirus.
Step 2. Get laboratory tests for coronavirus if your doctor recommends it
The doctor might take a sample of mucus from your nose to examine or request a blood test. This will help him rule out other infections and, in theory, confirm that it is the coronavirus. Let the doctor perform the tests so that he can make an accurate diagnosis.
Taking a mucus or blood sample should be painless, but you may experience some discomfort
Did you know that?
Your doctor will typically place you in solitary confinement and immediately notify the public health department as they perform tests and record the illness. If you suspect that you have contracted the virus, the diagnosis should be performed in the regional reference laboratories, on respiratory clinical samples according to the Real Time PCR protocols for SARS-CoV-2 indicated by the WHO. In case of positivity to the new coronavirus, the diagnosis must be confirmed by the national reference laboratory of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Also be sure to avoid sharing items such as utensils, cloths and cups with others, and wear the face mask when around other people.
Step 3. Get emergency medical help for wheezing (shortness of breath)
Try not to worry, but a severe coronavirus infection can cause complications, such as pneumonia. If you have difficulty breathing, consult your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. If you are alone, call for help so you can get there safely.
Breathing problems can be a symptom of complications, and your doctor can prescribe the treatment you need to make you feel better
Part 3 of 3: Treating COVID-19
Step 1. Stay at home so you don't run the risk of infecting others
You could be contagious, so don't leave the house while you're sick. Stay comfortably at home while you recover. Let others know that you are sick so that they avoid visiting you.
- If you go to the doctor, wear a face mask so as not to spread the virus.
- Consult your doctor about when it is safe for you to return to your normal routine. You could be contagious for a few days, until around 14.
Step 2. Rest so your body can recover
The best thing you can do for yourself is to rest and relax as your body fights the infection. Lie on the bed or sofa with your body elevated with pillows. Set aside a blanket to cover yourself if you are cold.
Keeping your upper body elevated helps you avoid coughing fits. If you don't have enough pillows, use folded blankets or towels to get up
Step 3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers and antipyretics
Coronavirus often causes full body pain and fever. Thankfully, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen. Check with your doctor to find out if you can take any of these medications safely. Then carefully follow the instructions on the leaflet regarding the dosage.
- Do not give aspirin to children and adolescents as it can cause a life-threatening disease called Reye's Syndrome
- Avoid taking more than the suggested dose, even if you are not feeling better.
Step 4. Use a humidifier to calm your throat and airways
Chances are you have a sore throat and mucus formation; a humidifier can help you relieve the resulting discomfort. The moisture particles generated by the humidifier will keep your throat and airways hydrated, which can relieve a sore throat. This moisture also helps dilute the mucus.
- Follow the instructions supplied with the humidifier to use it safely.
- Wash it thoroughly with soap and water between uses to prevent mold from forming inside.
Step 5. Consume plenty of fluids to help your body heal
Liquids help your body fight infection and loosen mucus. Drink water, hot water, or tea to keep yourself hydrated. Incorporate broth-based foods to increase your fluid intake.
Warm fluids are the best remedy and could help relieve a sore throat as well. Try hot water or tea with fresh lemon juice and a dollop of honey
Advice
- Since the coronavirus incubation period varies from 2 to 5 days, you are likely not to experience symptoms immediately after being infected.
- Even if you are not sick, continue to practice social distancing and keep a distance of about 2 meters from other people to help stop the transmission of the virus.
