IS IT COVID-19, COLD OR FLU?

 Filenews 10 September 2020

A consequence of the pandemic that gave birth to the new coronavirus is the slightest concern in cases where we feel some discomfort in the throat, we have cough or runny nose, lest we be the next case.

How can we distinguish the various symptoms from a condition of our respiratory system?

Dr. Ashish Jha, former director of the Harvard Institute of Public Health and current dean of Brown University's School of Public Health gives an answer to the above plausible question.

COVID-19

The disease caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a highly contagious respiratory disease resembling the common cold, but has significantly more serious effects that can lead to hospitalization, ongoing complications and even death.

Features: Aesthesia and immunity (not due to nasal congestion), fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle achos.

Other possible symptoms: Sore throat, diarrhea, nasal congestion and/or runny nose, chills, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Note: Asymptomatic carriers are still contagious.

FLU

It is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza A, B or C virus.

Features: Fever, muscle a pains and cough.

Other possible symptoms: Sore throat, nasal congestion and/or runny nose, chills, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite.

Difference from COVID-19: Influenza usually does not cause shortness of breath.

COMMON COLD

The common cold (viral rhinitis) is an upper respiratory infection that may be caused by one of hundreds of different viruses (including coronaviruses or rhinoviruses). It's usually mild and subsides in a week.

Features: Congestion, runny nose, cough and sore throat.

Other possible symptoms: low fever, muscle amuses and fatigue.

Differences from COVID-19: Cold does not cause shortness of breath, body aches, chills or loss of appetite and usually does not cause high fever.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Seasonal allergy is not caused by a virus but results from the immune system's overreaction to an allergenic substance such as plant pollen. Allergies are usually seasonal, last for weeks or months, depending on the allergen in the air.

Symptoms: runny nose, itching in the eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion.

Other possible symptoms: Anosmia from nasal congestion.

Differences from COVID-19: Allergies do not cause fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throats, diarrhea, chills, headaches, fatigue or loss of appetite.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation in the airways which narrows preventing breathing. As Dr Jha explains, asthma can be caused by colds or flu, but it is a distinct condition.

Key features: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and persistent coughing.

Other possible symptoms: A severe asthma attack can cause sudden shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased pulses, sweating and bruising on the lips and nails.

Differences from COVID-19: Asthma does not cause fever, muscle aches, sore throats, diarrhea, congestion, loss of taste or smell, runny nose, chills, headache, fatigue or loss of appetite.

In any case, dr. Jha, contact your doctor directly, especially if the symptoms are specific to those of influenza or COVID-19.

Source: ygeiamou.gr