Ordinary people might find it hard to determine if they have the COVID-19 virus. Aside from many overlapping symptoms with seasonal allergies and flu, the only way to detect it is through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that requires medical professionals to take a sample of your body fluids.
Runny nose that’s continually dripping with mucus and extremely itchy eyes are not symptoms of the coronavirus but are most likely indications of seasonal flu. However, fatigue, dry cough, and fever are symptoms of probable COVID-19 patients.
Coronavirus Vs. Flu Vs. Allergies
Remember, though, that not everyone experiences the same set of symptoms if they have the coronavirus. The ambiguity and unpredictability of the symptoms also make it hard to distinguish someone affected by the virus between someone experiencing seasonal allergies or influenza.
Three rampant diseases this season—COVID-19, influenza, and allergies—are viral infections, which make the body exhibit the same symptoms when afflicted by either one of them. Nonetheless, there is one big difference that differentiates COVID-19 from the other two: shortness of breath.
The sign is an onset indication of the disease progressing into pneumonia, which is a common complication of the COVID-19 disease. If a person does not experience shortness of breath, there is nothing to worry about with their condition. However, it is best to contact a general practitioner or nearby hospital if they do exhibit the said symptom. For a COVID-19 positive patient, shortness of breath typically appears five to ten days after the first appearance of fever.
Signs That You Should Seek Professional Help
If you are experiencing problems with your sinuses—such as a runny nose, nasal drip, itchy eyes, or facial pain—you’re probably having the common cold and not COVID-19. However, some of these symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose, are sometimes present in COVID-19 patients. In China alone, where the pandemic started, one in 20 positive cases experiences nasal congestion, which typically appears as fast as two days or as late as 14 days after exposure.
The unsettling fact during this pandemic, however, is the existence of asymptomatic patients or those infected people who do not exhibit any symptoms. Asymptomatic people are not aware of their condition because they do not feel unwell. However, they can still transmit the virus to other people they interact with.
Another thing to consider is if you frequently experience allergies annually. Since allergies are chronic illnesses, it might be hard to determine if you need to test for coronavirus when you experience allergies this season.
People who usually experience allergies should take note that no form of allergy causes fever or body pain. There is also typically no coughing involved unless there is a heavy nasal drip. Wheezing is another usual symptom, particularly those with asthma.
If you feel sick, it is in your best interest to perform self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. It is best to willingly submit for a swabbing test to ensure the status of your health.
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