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The truth is, there is a lot of information circulating at the moment. Each person experiences their survey of what is happening and what to do about it. As a collective human existence, we have reached a moment where we must turn our heads to the facts, and act with care.
Understanding what is what in a transient time is critically supportive in managing emotional distress of yourself and others. We have many questions about the coronavirus. Let’s start by answering some of them.
Limiting the Effects of the Coronavirus
From the start of it, we’ve been warned that symptoms of the coronavirus may mimic the cold or flu. With the similarity of the cold, flu, and allergy symptoms, it’s worth understanding them with the utmost clarity. Having this information handy is an essential tool for avoiding false alarms and maintaining the stability of our mental health.
The effects of anxiety surrounding the coronavirus can be dangerous for mental health. A decrease in sound mental health threatens our abilities to remain calm, rational, and cope well with the situation at hand. These are skills we must fasten tight for the greater good, and of course, ourselves as individuals.
What we know
Here is what we know about the coronavirus, as of now. The new virus, known as COVID-19, originated in Wuhan, China. It has claimed approximately 11,000 lives globally. It has been survived, however— in approximately 91,000 cases.
Who is Most at Risk
It is deadly, and there is no doubt about that. Yet fortunately, careful attention and fast action are proving to be a hearty defense. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s anyone associated with the following:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- HIV
- Asthma
- Pregnant women
- Elderly
Emergency Symptoms to Watch for
The symptoms to look out for are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, the CDC advises that there are emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that should be dealt with by immediate medical attention. These are:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Comparing Coronavirus with Cold, Flu, and Allergy Symptoms
With this information, uncertainty in combination with anxiety can make it difficult to self-assess health and the health of those you care about. Not to mention, most people don’t experience symptoms for a few days. This facilitates further hysteria as individuals retrace their steps, questioning when or where they may have contracted the virus. If you begin to feel any of these symptoms, consult with your physician. But first, compare them with that of the cold, flu, and allergies.
Allergies feel like:
- A runny nose
- Sneezing
- Irritated, swollen eyes
- Itchy nose
- Itchy eyes
- Tickle in the throat
The flu often feels like:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose (less common)
- Diarrhea (less common)
A cold feels like:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- A sore throat
- Fatigue
- Aches
- Dry cough
- Fever (less common)
The most common symptoms of Coronavirus are:
- Fever (typically exceeding 100 degrees)
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Illness progress over a period of 14 days
- Mild sneezing
- Fatigue (less common)
- Headache (less common)
- Aches and pains (less common)
- Diarrhea (less common)
Determining if You’re Infected
Depending on your location, finding out if you have been infected may be a challenging task as the surge in the necessity for medical assistance rises globally. Consider the alternative of digital medical care, if possible. This will ensure that others are not infected if you do have the virus, and it will protect you from the risk of entering a possible site of contamination.
Apps such as Doctor on Demand and Teladoc are available. If you need to see a physician in person, try to call ahead and confirm it is in your best interest.
In any case, if symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical care. It is also a good idea to avoid others if you’re sick at all. As the pandemic progresses, we are now experiencing protective closures that will ensure all people are taking precautions. For now, we’re fully responsible for ourselves.
If You Have Coronavirus
If you have reason to believe you’ve been infected based on your symptoms or contact with a person with the virus, seek medical guidance promptly. After focusing on taking action, make a conscious effort to remain positive, and keep yourself grounded. It can be scary, but statistics show that the likelihood is that most people will recover if infected.
However, it is necessary to maintain strength, and the discipline to follow protocols that increase the chances of safety for all those around you. Isolation from others and steady medical attention must be at the forefront of focus if the virus is contracted.
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