Is it a Cold, the Flu, or the Coronavirus?

 

Is It a Cold, the Flu, or the Coronavirus?

We are all getting more and more nervous when we catch the cold symptoms these days. We always wonder if it is just a cold, the flu, or the most-unwanted Coronavirus. Scientifically speaking, they are all caused by different viruses, but can undoubtedly have similar symptoms. It has been confirmed that people who feel ill with coronavirus will have a least one of the following three symptoms:

         a high temperature

         a continuous cough

         a loss of their sense of smell or taste

Does a high temperature mean I have coronavirus?

A high temperature is 37.8C or above. A fever like this can happen when the body is fighting off any infection-not just coronavirus. It is always advisable to use a thermometer to take a measure.

Although fever is a key coronavirus symptom, it could be flu or a different infection. A high temperature is unlikely with a cold. According to the NHS, anyone with a temperature 37.8+ is advised to self-isolate.

What about a continuous cough?

If you have a cold or the flu you may have a cough, along with other symptoms. The flu usually comes suddenly, and sufferers will usually experience muscle aches, chills, headaches, tiredness, a sore throat and a runny/stuffed nose, along with the cough. The flu definitely feels worse than a heavy cold. In fact, colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe than the flu. Along with a cough, there may be sneezing and/or a sore throat and/or runny nose. Fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches are rare.

A coronavirus cough means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.

If you usually have a cough because of a long-standing medical condition like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), it may be worse than usual. You certainly advised to get tested for coronavirus if you develop a continuous cough.

What does loss of smell or taste mean?

There is some strong evidence to suggest that losing the sense of smell and/or taste strongly indicates that you have already contracted the coronavirus, and that you definitely need to get tested.

In some cases, it could be just a simple cold, but you need to check just to avoid the risk of spreading the virus in your surrounding community.

Does sneezing indicate I have coronavirus?

Sneezing is not a symptom of coronavirus, and unless you also have a fever, cough or loss of smell and taste, you do not need a test.

What about a runny or blocked nose?

According to NHS Scotland, having a runny nose is not a reason to get tested for coronavirus.

In conclusion, recent reports indicate that people with coronavirus have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, though some will have none at all, but can still be infectious. Symptoms may appear up to two weeks after exposure to coronavirus, but usually around day five. Feeling breathless can be a sign of a more serious coronavirus infection.

 

Always make sure to do the following:

·         Regularly wash your hands and face.

·         Wear a face mask.

·         Social distancing is really important: keep at least 6 feet apart from people around.

·         Try to keep your distance from those not in your household.