Since the outbreak of 2019 Coronavirus, a simple cough, or colds, or sneeze can be very alarming to most people. This is caused by the panic from the symptoms of COVID-19 that spreads quicker than what we’ve expected it to be.
Therefore, in this situation, we must be aware of the proper measures to take when feeling ill or unwell.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19
It was found that 97.5% of COVID-19 patients showed the following signs within 12 days of getting exposed to the virus.
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Continuous Dry Cough / Sore throat
- Nasal congestion / Runny nose
- Diarrhea / Headache
- Shortness of Breath / Difficulty Breathing
What to do if you feel the following symptoms.
About 80% of COVID-19 patients recover from this disease without special treatment. So if you feel like you have mild symptoms and don’t have trouble breathing – which is the indication of a serious symptom – you can manage to go for self-treatment.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids
Gaining back your strength while drinking warm low-caffeine beverages and lots of water will help you replace the body fluids and electrolytes you’ve lost during the day – most especially if you have diarrhea – and will also loosen mucus when you have colds that lead to better breathing/decongestion.
Strictly stay at home
As much as you can, stay in a place where you can isolate yourself to make sure the safety of others around you is secured. If you cannot avoid being around with your home mates, make sure to wear a face mask every time.
Be strict with your hygiene
Always sanitize the highly touched areas of the house as well as your room. Know when to wash your hands and make sure to wash them properly.
Monitor your symptoms
Stay calm during your treatment, it will help your body stay relaxed and not spread panic within your household. Unless you feel a combination of fever, dry cough, and/or difficulty breathing or pain in your chest, medical help must be immediately provided.
Seek medical attention
Call the local health provider instructed by your government to make sure you get the proper medical attention.
For UAE residents with NO SYMPTOMS but wants to get tested?
People who do not qualify to the criteria mentioned below must stay at home and follow the UAE precautionary measures. This is a protocol that was instructed by the UAE Health Authority to healthcare centers.
People who wish to be tested should:
- Have respiratory symptoms.
- Have history of travel from countries with local transmission of the disease in the last 14 days.
- Have history of having close contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html