Record numbers of Covid-19 cases are being confirmed across the India. But given it's also the flu season, how can you be sure whether you have coronavirus, a cold or the flu?
They are all caused by different viruses, but can have similar symptoms.
Most people who feel ill with coronavirus will have at least one of these three key symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste
So what do you need to know about
other things you may catch in the coming months?
A high temperature is 37.8C or above. A fever like this can happen when the body is fighting off any infection - not just coronavirus.
It is best to use a thermometer to take a measure. But if you don't have one, check if you, or the person you are worried about, feels hot to the touch on the chest or back.
Although fever is a key coronavirus symptom, it could be flu or a different infection.
A high temperature is unlikely with a cold.
What about a cough?
If you have a cold or flu you may well have a cough, along with other symptoms.
Flu usually comes on suddenly and sufferers will often experience muscle aches, chills, headaches, tiredness, a sore throat and a runny or stuffed nose, along with the cough. It feels worse than a heavy cold.
Colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe, although they do still make you feel unwell. Along with a cough, there may be sneezing and a sore throat and runny nose. Fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches are rare.
A coronavirus cough means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing fits or "episodes" in 24 hours.
If you usually have a cough because of a long-standing medical condition like COPD, it may be worse than usual.
You should get tested for coronavirus if you develop a new, continuous cough.
What do loss or change to smell or taste mean?
These are key symptoms of coronavirus and mean you should get a test.
It could still be that you have a simple cold. But you need to check, even if you don't feel unwell, to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.
Does sneezing mean I've got coronavirus?
Sneezing is not a symptom of coronavirus, and unless you also have a fever, cough or loss of smell and taste, you do not need a test.
Sneeze droplets can spread infections though, so catch them in a tissue, put it in the bin and then wash your hands.
Remember Hands. Face. Space to help stop the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Use a face covering when social distancing is not possible
- Try to keep your distance from those not in your household
More people in England are being offered a free flu jab this year too in the run-up to winter.
0 Comments
If you have any doubt plz let me know.