Actual Symptoms of COVID-19(Coronavirus)

Symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

What is Corona-virus?

It is a class of viruses that causes upper respiratory tract infections. This name is derived as they have spikes on their surface like a crown.

Major types:

1. 229E (alpha coronavirus)
2. NL63 (alpha coronavirus)
3. OC43 (beta coronavirus)
4. HKU1 (beta coronavirus)

Others:

MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)

SARS-CoV (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)

SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19?

It's a class of coronavirus, a mutant form of former SARS-CoV. COVID-19 is a short form for Corona Virus Disease 2019.

What are the common symptoms? 

COVID-19 Symptoms take 2-14 days (Incubation period) of time to appear after the contact of the virus.

Primary Symptoms:

• Fever

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Shortness of Breath

Secondary Symptoms:

• Sputum Production 

• Headache

• Running Nose

• Sore Throat

• Diarrhea

Symptoms and severity of the novel coronavirus. Based on data reported by the WHO and the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Emergency Response Epidemiology Team.

Should I consult a doctor or what?

No, don't rush to the hospital. First Self isolate yourself in a room for 7 days after developing symptoms. If you're staying with your family, they should also stay at home for 14 days. 

Cover your mouth with a face mask if you start coughing. Use a separate bathroom if possible. Don't share toiletries and common household objects like waterbottle. If symptoms get serious like shortness of breath, call the emergency health helpline like 911(USA), 111-NHS(UK), 1075(India). They shall help you get tested and treat your symptoms.

Is there any Vaccine or Treatment?

Currently, there is no vaccine but some drugs are showing results in treating Coronavirus like Anti-Malarial, Anti-Viral. Trust the medical facilities in your country, as they follow the guidelines by WHO. 

Vaccines are currently developing and showing potential results. Due to the pandemic, COVID-19 Vaccine can be possible within 1-2 years compared to the regular time of 10-15 years for development.

What is the case fatality rate?

80% of the patients can get cured without treatment and the rest 20% might need Hospitalization.

The case fatality rate is 4% according to WHO, it can be more based on other factors.

There are 2 risk factors:

1. Co-Morbidities

2. Age

What are the Preventive measures?

1. Maintain Social Distancing
2. Avoid Unnecessary travel
3. Use Sanitizer frequently (rub for 20sec) 
4. Wash your hands, face and legs regularly
5. Avoid touching your face including eyes and nose
6. Bath twice a day to maintain hygiene 
7. Use a face mask(N95 or Surgerical 3ply mask) and gloves if you go outside your home in any affected areas.
8. Stay minimum 6 feet away from any suspected person
9. Clean and Disinfect your house, mobile phone, laptop, and other high touch surfaces.

"Prevention is better than cure"

Useful links:

1. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
3. https://www.covid19india.org