What are the Symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
With public health officials and people all over the world scrambling to understand and contain the new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is important to understand what to look out for and how you can play your part in helping to keep it from spreading. This begins with knowing the signs and symptoms of the illness. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and start to develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?
The symptoms of Coronavirus can vary from mild to severe depending on the case. Reported cases began to experience symptoms between two and 14 days after they were exposed. This can include the following signs:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
In the event of a severe case, a person may develop emergency warning signs. Emergency warning signs can include but are not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
It is critical that individuals experiencing these signs should seek out medical attention immediately.
What Do I Do if I Have Symptoms?
If you believe that you have been exposed to the Coronavirus or begin to experience the symptoms listed above, there are proper safety measures that can be implemented to limit the continuous spread of the disease. This includes:
- Stay home, avoid all public areas and public methods of transportation.
- Practice social distancing, stay away from others, and limit contact with pets and animals.
- Before visiting your doctor, call ahead
- Wear a face mask if you are sick or taking care of others
- Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands immediately afterward, and dispose of all tissues that were used
- Clean your hands with soap and water often and use hand sanitizer frequently
- Avoid touching your face
- Do not share personal household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, utensils, bedding, etc.
- Clean surfaces that are touched often, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathrooms, etc., every day
- Monitor your symptoms and call a doctor if they begin to worsen