In the midst of the current coronavirus pandemic, the best precautionary methods are social distancing, frequent washing of hands, and wearing a mask. If you happen to fall sick, then it would be best to stay at home. However, since many coronavirus symptoms are vague and are attributable to other causes you cannot say for sure if you are sick with COVID-19 or something entirely different.
The most common signature of a coronavirus infection is a dry cough. These 5 signs of coronavirus can help you ascertain if you have been infected with the virus. If you have these symptoms then don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider for instructions and advice.
1. A dry cough
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that a dry cough is a telltale symptom of coronavirus. 59% to 82% of COVID-19 patients there have reported experiencing a dry cough as a primary symptom.
However, if your cough produces mucus, then it might just be that you have a simple cold or perhaps the flu. Allergies too, can be the cause of a dry cough. So before you presume that your unproductive hacking is COVID-19, consult your doctor about it and take a test for a proper diagnosis.
2. Your cough persists
The two most common descriptors which are often applied to COVID-19-related coughing are “dry” and “persistent”. If you caught a cough which you managed to recover from over the course of a month, then it could probably have been caused by seasonal allergies. But, if the cough you have is consistent and doesn’t show any signs of improving, but gets worse, then it is highly possible it could be the coronavirus infection.
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3. A dry cough along with shortness of breath
Shortness of breath has been listed as one of the many warning signs of coronavirus infection with up to 40% of infected patients experiencing it. This hallmark symptom of COVID-19 can sometimes carry on for months even after the patients have technically recovered.
When you have a coughing episode and have trouble catching your breath soon after, or even at other times, then it can be regarded as a red flag, in which case you should give your doctor a call.
4. Loss of sense of taste and smell
This symptom has now been included into the list of telltale symptoms of COVID-19 infection. People witness this mainly due to the inflammation caused by the virus in the neurological system.
If you have a cough and then start losing your sense of taste and smell, then call your doctor immediately and explain your symptoms. Don’t forget to ask your doctor if you now need to get tested for COVID-19.
READ: here’s what we know about the long term symptoms of Covid-19
5. Fever follows next
One of the most common warning signs of a coronavirus infection is fever. This particular COVID-19 symptom has various reviews worldwide. 83%-99% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 have experienced a persistent temperature of over 100.4 degree Fahrenheit.
