How can I be certain I have a cold? A cold is usually diagnosed simply by assessing symptoms and without testing. More severe symptoms, such as fever and shortness of breath, are not classic symptoms of the common cold. A mild cough due to postnasal drip and sneezing can occur, but itch would be less likely. Key symptoms: Symptoms of the common cold are usually a runny, congested nose as well as a sore throat, headache, and generally feeling unwell. In medicine we often say "common things are common," and the common cold remains common even during this pandemic. As anyone with allergies can attest, allergies linger for months, so the timeline can often be a clue, too.Īre your symptoms consistent with the common cold? If you found taking medications such as over-the-counter antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays helpful in prior years, then it would be reassuring that if your symptoms improve with these medications, your symptoms may be due to seasonal allergies. How can I be certain I have allergies? The best way to diagnose allergies is by using skin testing at an allergist’s office. People with allergies often have itchy eyes, itchy nose, and sneezing, as well as less-specific allergy symptoms such as a runny, congested nose, and a sore throat or cough that is generally due to postnasal drip. Key symptoms: Two strong indicators that suggest allergies: if you’ve had springtime allergies before, and if itch is a prominent component of your symptoms. As you see the trees in your area budding, that means the pollen counts will also be increasing. Spring, with its budding trees and warmer weather, means allergy season for many of us. The criteria for getting tested are rapidly changing as more tests become available.Īre your symptoms consistent with allergies? How can I be certain I have COVID-19? If you are concerned about symptoms, contact your doctor or your local board of health to find out whether you should be tested, and if testing is available near you. Usually symptoms appear within five days after exposure, but it can take up to 14 days. A significant number of people experience no symptoms (it’s even possible to have coronavirus and not experience a fever). Some people report a lack of taste or smell. Less commonly, people may have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Two additional common symptoms are fatigue and loss of appetite. Key symptoms: The more common and sometimes severe symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, if your symptoms are worrisome or severe, call your doctor or local hospital, or check with your local health department so you can be evaluated immediately, if that’s necessary. Keep in mind that most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home (see information about what to do if you are sick from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Below, I’ve explained key symptoms to help you distinguish these illnesses and take action as needed.Īre your symptoms consistent with COVID-19?Īt the beginning of the pandemic, your travel history offered important clues, but this is no longer pertinent because coronavirus has been spreading in our communities. And although influenza season is coming to an end, perhaps you’ve wondered if some of your symptoms could be the flu. Colds also remain common, just as was true before the coronavirus. Of course, it is spring, so many people may be experiencing their annual springtime tree pollen allergies. With so many of us wrestling with fears and unknowns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, every throat tickle, nose drip, or cough is suspect: do I have coronavirus? By now, we all know that COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus, can cause severe, life-threatening symptoms, although the majority of people who have it will experience a mild to moderate version.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |