COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus, not previously identified in humans, responsible for an outbreak of respiratory illness that became a global pandemic in 2020. COVID-19 is different from other coronaviruses that cause mild illness, such as the common cold.
COVID-19 is transmitted from person-to-person via respiratory droplets propelled into the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Less commonly, COVID-19 may be spread when a person touches a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.
It is possible to have COVID-19 without a cough. While a cough is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, not everyone will develop it. Some people may only be mildly ill and others may not develop any symptoms at all, even though they test positive and can still spread the virus to others.
15 COVID Symptoms
In addition to cough, other symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Body or muscle aches
- Weakness
- Feeling unwell (malaise)
- Headache
- Changes in taste and/or smell
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
4 Emergency COVID Symptoms
Signs of COVID that require immediate medical attention (call 911 or go to a hospital’s emergency department):
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Bluish lips or face
- New confusion or inability to arouse
How Is COVID-19 Diagnosed?
COVID-19 is diagnosed with a patient history, including questions about any known recent exposure to the virus, along with a physical examination.
If COVID-19 is suspected, tests used to diagnose the virus include:
- PCR tests (genetic or molecular test)
- Antigen test
What Is the Treatment for COVID-19?
For mild cases of COVID-19, supportive care is aimed at relieving symptoms.
4 COVID Home Remedies
Patients with mild illness are usually advised to remain home, self-isolate for at least five days, and wear a high-quality mask when indoors around others for a period of time to avoid spreading the virus. Treatments for mild symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
- Cough suppressants if needed
6 Treatments for Severe COVID
For more severe illness due to COVID-19 infection, patients may require hospitalization. Treatments for severe COVID-19 may include:
- Antiviral therapy
- Must be taken within the first few days of the start of symptoms to be effective
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Corticosteroids
- Antithrombotic therapy
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet therapy
- High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen
- Ventilation
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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492824/#:~:text=Vertigo%20or%20dizziness%20has%20recently,of%20COVID%2D19. https://www.cooperhealth.org/services/otitis-media-middle-ear-infection/covid-19-and-ear-infection
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-symptoms-frequently-asked-questions