COVID-19 Symptoms, Emergency Care, and Distinguishing It from the Flu
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is an infectious illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. This virus primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19
Most Common:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
Other Commonly Reported Symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following severe symptoms:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- Bluish lips or face
- Fever that persists for more than three days
Distinguishing COVID-19 from the Flu
While COVID-19 and the flu share some similar symptoms, such as fever and cough, there are distinct differences between the two illnesses:
| Symptom | COVID-19 | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual over several days | Sudden |
| Duration | Can last up to two weeks | Typically resolves within a week |
| Muscular aches | More common | Less common |
| Congestion | Less common | More common |
| Nausea or vomiting | More common | Less common |
| Loss of taste or smell | Distinctive symptom | Not common |
Resources for More Information
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, refer to the following resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus
Comments