What to look for: COVID-19 Symptoms
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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - Is it a seasonal allergy, the flu, or possibly the Coronavirus?
All three have some similar characteristics.
Johns Hopkins Medicine's Dr. Lisa Lockerd Maragaskis, MD, MPH, said that both cause fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, there is vomiting and diarrhea.
According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
A person infected with either influenza or COVID-19 can have either a mild to severe case. Both can be fatal in some circumstances. Both can also develop into pneumonia.
Both influenza and the COVID-19 can be spread from person to person through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even through talking.
Neither is treatable with antibiotics. They only work on bacterial infections.
Lastly, both may be prevented through frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and limiting or avoiding contact with anyone who may be infected.
The CDC says if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
One difference is that there are vaccines for influenza. There are vaccines under development for COVID-19, but none available at this time.
Mayo Clinic-Coronavirus Symptoms
