The Signs and Symptoms to Be Aware With Covid-19

The magnitude and severity of the COVID-19, is evident with the amount of information being shared on all social platforms.

The outbreak of Covid-19 is creating an unprecedented situation, on an unprecedented scale, and nothing remains the same. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, it is confusing and creates anxiety.

Recognising the signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific. The signs and symptoms can range from no obvious signs or symptoms to those with mild symptoms in association with the common cold, to a much more severe respiratory illness such as pneumonia. In the case of critical illness, the risk of complications increases and can be life threatening.

On average, official reports indicate that signs and symptoms typically develop five to six days after being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The time it takes for symptoms to appear is called the ‘incubation period’. The full incubation period ranges between 1 and 14 days.

The common cold symptoms:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Coughing up slime (producing phlegm in the lungs)
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle or joint ache or pain
• Body chills

Days 1 - 3

1. Symptoms are almost equivalent to the common cold
2. Slight sore throat
3. No fever or fatigue
4. You still eat normally
5. Airy sensation around the tummy region

Day 4

1. Sore throat and body aches
2. Throat is hoarse
3. Body temperature is about 36.5 C
4. Starts effecting eating habits
5. Slight headache
6. Mild diarrhoea or digestive problems

Day 5

1. Sore throat and hoarse
2. Slight fever, temperature between 36.5 and 36.7 C
3. Body weakness and joint pain

Day 6

1. Slight fever, approximately 37°C
2. Cough containing mucus or dry cough
3. Sore throat when eating, speaking or swallowing
4. Fatigue and nausea
5. Mild difficulty breathing
6. Sore fingers
7. Diarrhoea and vomiting

Day 7

1. Fever is higher, ranging from 37.4 to 37.8 C
2. Intense coughing with phlegm
3. Body pain and headaches
4. Moderate to extreme diarrhoea
5. Vomiting
6. Start feeling an imbalance, faint or dizzy spell

Day 8

1. Fever, between 38°C or above
2. Difficulty breathing, feeling heavy in the chest with each breath
3. Persistent cough
4. Headache, joint and hip pain
5. Continued feeling of imbalance, faint or dizzy spell

Day 9 - 14

1. Symptoms don't change, and worsen each passing day
2. Fever increases
3. The cough is persistent and heightened
4. Difficultly in breathing
5. Efforts placed in taking full breaths

The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may seem non-specific with similarities associated to the common cold or influenza. The table below shows the difference and similarities:

Please attach importance to this problem and don't take chances, on how the Covid-19 infection takes effect. We all need to be weary, and seek medical attention should you experience any signs or symptoms indicating a concern.

Greatest respect goes out to all healthcare workers, working tirelessly on bringing recovery to every nation of the world. Hospitals face battles with supplies and equipment depleting daily.

Medical students, retired doctors, physicians, nurses and other medical healthcare specialists have have volunteered their time in curbing the coronavirus crisis. Taking note that with retired members being anywhere near the frontline of the pandemic, endangers the risk of their health, though the highest precautions are in place.

Our over worked medical heroes and heroines have taken on this battle with great humility, their effort and time is gratefully acknowledged. I commend, with the utmost respect and gratitude to all medical care workers around the world.

What can we take from the pandemic as a life lesson?

Change is an inevitable part of life. It allows us to re-evaluate our priorities and forces us to be innovative and to adapt.

Take cognisance of the social distancing, to speed up the process in decreasing the virus. If you have health concerns, I implore you to get it medically checked for a professional diagnosis.

In this time of lock down, we are with the hope for the global pandemic to soon be eradicated and that our families be protected, taking the necessary precautionary measures for good health and well-being.