I used to be certain it was only a summer time chilly. I’d developed a sore throat one night in late July, midway by my household trip. Subsequent morning got here the headache and runny nostril. By the journey’s finish, I felt a bone-deep exhaustion at odds with the week of seaside rest I’d simply loved.
I’d had a tough bout of COVID in 2022—to the purpose of requiring chest X-rays, and being prescribed a steroid and an inhaler—and this newest sickness didn’t really feel almost as extreme. I’d worn a masks throughout air journey and was updated on my vaccinations. Solely when my signs had not solely failed to enhance but additionally worsened after almost every week of taking over-the-counter chilly drugs did I think about it could possibly be COVID in any case.
An at-home take a look at confirmed I’d been struck by the summer time surge plaguing the nation. (And, mockingly, I’d write an article in regards to the swelling wave of infections the identical week I examined constructive.) However my current prognosis strengthened two COVID tenets: testing is the one strategy to differentiate between respiratory diseases resembling COVID, the flu, the widespread chilly, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); and coronavirus signs can manifest in another way in the identical affected person upon reinfection.
COVID signs might be delicate, extreme, or nonexistent, based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC). Needless to say signs can seem as late as two weeks after you’ve been uncovered to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID.
New variants of the virus proceed to come back and go; the FLiRT class of Omicron subvariants raged over the summer time, whereas a subvariant known as XEC is poised to dominate this fall. The CDC says signs might range by variant, however hasn’t tied sure signs to a particular variant.
What are the signs of COVID?
Whereas not an exhaustive checklist, the CDC encourages the general public to be careful for these signs:
- Congestion or runny nostril
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle or physique aches
- New lack of style or odor
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath or problem respiration
- Sore throat
As well as, the World Well being Group highlights these much less widespread signs:
- Rash on pores and skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
- Pink or irritated eyes
Which COVID signs require emergency care?
The CDC recommends in search of emergency medical care you probably have these signs:
- Incapacity to wake or keep awake
- Lips, pores and skin, and nail beds that seem pale, blue, or grey
- New confusion
- Persistent ache or strain within the chest
- Hassle respiration
How do I deal with my COVID signs?
In case your signs are delicate, over-the-counter ache relievers resembling ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help most individuals really feel higher, the CDC says.
Whereas prescription antiviral drugs resembling Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir) or Lagevrio (molnupiravir) are geared towards sufferers at excessive threat of extreme an infection, that doesn’t imply you’re solely eligible you probably have a situation like most cancers or HIV. The CDC considers having bronchial asthma, chubby or weight problems, or sure temper problems, for instance, as threat elements for extreme COVID an infection.
As quickly as you take a look at constructive for COVID, focus on your remedy choices along with your well being care supplier.
For extra on COVID-19: