A lot of the COVID-19 symptoms are frustratingly similar to most other common ailments, including the seasonal flu. So how can you tell if your cough is the flu or COVID-19?
Fortunately, a new study has concluded that COVID-19 symptoms frequently manifest in a defined order. Read on to learn how to determine whether you are showing the signs of coronavirus so you can get treatment sooner.
Are You Displaying These COVID-19 Symptoms?
According to the study cited above, many coronavirus patients are likely to experience the following signs and symptoms in this sequential order:
- Fever
- Muscle pain and cough
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea
As you can see, scientists have found that a COVID-19 positive patient will experience a cough after developing a fever. On the other hand, patients with seasonal flu usually experience a cough before the fever sets in. Let’s discuss these COVID-19 symptoms in more detail as follows:
Fever: According to the experts, the very first COVID-19 symptom is a fever. If you have a temperature above 100.4⁰ (Fahrenheit), it may indicate COVID-19 infection, especially if you’re also experiencing any or all of the following symptoms.
Continuous cough: If in addition to the fever, you’re also suffering from 3 or more coughing episodes within 24 hours, it could be another sign.
Change in taste or smell: Have you lost your sense of taste or smell? Are you having a hard time tasting anything you eat? These are common symptoms of coronavirus.
Different COVID-19 Symptoms For Different People
Apart from the symptoms we just discussed, there are several less common COVID-19 symptoms as well:
- Flu-like symptoms coupled with–
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- sore throat
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms coupled with-
- No fever
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Muscle pains
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Severe confusion coupled with-
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Severe fatigue coupled with-
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Cough
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal issues coupled with-
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Severe respiratory and abdominal pain–
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle pain
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Fever
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of smell
- Headache
Note: In children, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting could also indicate coronavirus infection.
So clearly, if you have a cough or a fever, it’s not necessarily a COVID-19 symptom unless you are also experiencing other conditions, as we just mentioned. However, if you suspect you have contracted the coronavirus, you should undergo a test in accordance with CDC guidelines.
If your test results are positive, you should self-isolate at home for at least 10 -15 days from the time your symptoms first appeared. Make sure you maintain your distance from other people, including your family members or roommates.
And most importantly, don’t panic. The recovery rate for COVID-19 positive patients is between 97% and 99.75%. Most people only display mild COVID-19 symptoms, which can be easily managed with bed rest, pain relief medication (like paracetamol), and plenty of fluid intakes.
Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms? Here’s What You Can Do
According to the experts, unless you are having trouble breathing or you’re experiencing some very severe symptoms, you don’t even need to go to the hospital; self-isolation and bed rest will be more than enough.
But if you want to seek medical help without going to a doctor, contact us at 24 Hour Docs. Our team of board-certified doctors and specialists can serve you virtually and help determine the next best course of action. Call us at 877-244-6876 or contact us online to know more.