As Covid-19 spreads and gets worse we must be quick to identify the symptoms and take immediate action.
Here is what you should do if you or someone you know starts showing symptoms of Covid-19.
It is important to remember that the covid 19 symptoms vary from person to person and two people may not have the exact same symptoms.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
• Fever above 101 F
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste or smell
Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include:
• Nasal congestion,
• Conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes)
• Sore throat,
• Headache,
• Muscle or joint pain,
• Different types of skin rash,
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Diarrhea,
• Chills or dizziness.
Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include:
• Shortness of breath,
• Loss of appetite,
• Confusion,
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest,
• High temperature (above 101°F).
Note that people of all ages can experience any of these symptoms.
It can take up to 5–6 days from when someone has come in contact with the virus for symptoms to show, but it can also take up to 14 days.
As soon as you experience fever, self-isolate and go for an RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test to your closest Covid test centre. A list of covid test centres is posted on our website.
Make sure to inform all those who you have come in contact with, so they can monitor for symptoms as well. Only go for testing if you have a fever, as it indicates a substantial viral load and will show up on the test.
If you do test positive the first thing to do is not to venture out unnecessarily.
If you show severe symptoms it is best to get admitted to the nearest hospital with covid facilities. A list of hospitals with covid facilities is posted on our website.
If you show mild symptoms or are asymptomatic you can opt for home isolation with consultation from a doctor. If the patient is above 60 years of age or has comorbidities, they will only be allowed home isolation after evaluation by the doctor.
Collect your home isolation kit from your local health centre. A list of health centres is posted on our website.
The kit contains:
If you clear of home isolation, make sure your room is well ventilated. And follow all the home isolation guidelines.
Home isolation has to be done for a minimum of 14 days.
if you test negative but are still showing symptoms for more than 3 days, repeat the test and consult a doctor. Don’t forget to take all precautions like self-isolation.
Very important to inform all the people you have come in contact with about your test results.
It can take up to 5–14 days to show.