Healthwhy Early Coronavirus Cases May Have Been Missed
Since that report, other symptoms related to COVID-19 have emerged.
Many patients who’ve either tested positive for the coronavirus, or have been told by their physicians to assume they have it, also develop a headache and sore throat. Others become sick to their stomach with nausea or diarrhea.
Some patients say they have no interest in eating. Many report they’re losing their senses of taste and smell, the British Rhinological Society said recently.
Just this week, a small study published in JAMA Ophthalmology added another potential COVID-19 warning sign: pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. A third of the 38 patients in the report had the inflammatory eye condition.
But it’s also becoming more clear that some infected people spreading the virus don’t have any symptoms at all.
Extreme Fatigue Is A Telltale Sign Of The Flu
If youre dragging, or feeling extreme fatigue, its likely from the flu. Sometimes youll continue feeling run down for a few days even after other flu symptoms stop. On the other hand, a cold will rarely stop you from performing your day-to-day tasks.
Weve all had colds and know that you can get a mild fever, achiness or cough with it. But if you feel like youve been hit by a truck, its more likely that you have the flu.
Reduce The Risk Of Illness
So, youve decided you want to avoid all of the above.
How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?
- Get vaccinated or if youre already vaccinated, get your booster.
- Wear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community.
- Wash your hands often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds.
- If you dont have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol.
- Dont touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands.
- As much as possible, dont touch high-touch public surfaces such as doorknobs. Dont shake hands.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you dont have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Check your home supplies. Consider keeping a two week supply of medicines, food and other needed household items.
- Dont share eating or drinking utensils with sick people.
- Clean surfaces often with disinfectant.
How do you prevent the common cold?
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.
- Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.
And how do you prevent the flu?
And what about allergies?
Theres not much to do to prevent allergies, but you can help prevent the symptoms by:
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How Important Is To Know Whether You Have A Cold Or Covid
It may not be critical to test if you have mild symptoms and are at low risk for complications, as long as you stay away from others, especially others who may be at risk because of advanced age or underlying health problems.
In folks who are vulnerable people over 65, those with chronic diseases such as lung disease, diabetes and hypertension, or those who are immunocompromised its good to know for sure if you have COVID-19 because it could progress and there is antiviral therapy to mitigate that possibility, Dr. Salata says.
The antiviral drug Paxlovid, granted emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration in December, can be taken at home by high-risk patients. The drug was shown to be 90 percent effective at preventing serious illness and deaths.
However, the best way to avoid serious illness and death is to be fully vaccinated.
High-risk patients who develop symptoms should consider a PCR test because they are more reliable than home tests, Dr. Salata says. PCR tests are administered at testing sites and medical facilities.
If you have symptoms that dont go away or become worse, you should see a doctor.
Know Emergency Warning Signs Of Covid
Get medical attention immediately if you experience any of these warning signs*:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to be woken up
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
*This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please talk with your doctor or health care provider about any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. If you need emergency medical attention, and tell them you are having COVID-19-like symptoms.
More information can be found at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Symptoms webpage.
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Body Aches And Chills
Youre just going about your day and suddenly it hits you. There are a number of different illnesses that cause these aches and chills symptoms and others. You might want to know what might be getting you down and what to do for it. This article explains some of the more common causes, things you can do at home, and when to check in with your doctor.
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For Visitors: See our current visitation guidelines. Masks continue to be required for entry to our sites of care and must be worn inside facilities at all times.
COVID-19 Testing: MyChart users can check symptoms online and have an E-Visit if needed. Call your primary care provider office for testing options. Use Community Virtual Care to assess symptoms and get scheduled for a test. Testing available at MedChecks and Community Clinic at Walgreens , including required return to work/school and travel testing. Find Indiana testing sites here. If you do not need emergency care, do not go to an ER for COVID-19 testing.
COVID-19 Vaccine: See our COVID-19 vaccine FAQ for how to get a vaccine or booster.
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Fever And Headache Pain
A fever is a rise in your body temperature. This can happen when your body is fighting an infection. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can cause infections.
Other illnesses and inflammation can also trigger a fever. You might have a fever if your body temperature is higher than 98.6°F . A fever can lead to changes in your body that may lead to a headache.
Get Advice From A Nurse
Our care lines make it easy for you to talk directly with a nurse 24/7, 365 days a year. The best part? Its completely free of charge.
Our nurses can help you decide if its time to see a doctor and give you some additional home remedy advice. To talk with a nurse, you can call the HealthPartners CareLine at or the Park Nicollet Nurse Line at .
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Symptoms Of Glandular Fever
Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus . Symptoms are thought to take about one to two months to develop after infection with the virus.
The most common symptoms of the condition include:
- a high temperature
- a sore throat this is usually severe, but in an older adult, or very young child, the infection may be present without a sore throat
- swollen glands in your neck and possibly in other parts of your body, such as under your armpits
Glandular fever can also cause:
- a general sense of feeling unwell
- loss of appetite
- pain around or behind your eyes
- swollen tonsils and adenoids , which may affect your breathing
- the inside of your throat to become very red and there may be a whitish coating
- small red or purple spots on the roof of your mouth
- swelling or puffiness around your eyes
- a tender or swollen tummy
Some of these symptoms may develop a few days before the main symptoms mentioned above.
While the symptoms of glandular fever can be unpleasant, most of them should pass within two to three weeks. Fatigue, however, can occasionally last several months.
You Have Low Blood Sugar
Although many people feel a bit shaky and irritable when they need to eat, true hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, most often occurs in people who have diabetes.
One of the symptoms of hypoglycemia is a feeling of shakiness, which may mimic chills, Taroyan says. Hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment to get blood sugar levels back to normal.
Defined as blood glucose of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter, hypoglycemia can cause a variety of other symptoms, including sweating, confusion, a rapid heartbeat, blurry vision, lightheadedness and drowsiness.
If you have diabetes and you notice these symptoms, follow the 15-15 rule: Have 15 grams of simple carbs, such as a glucose tablet, juice, honey or hard candy, and check your blood glucose again in 15 minutes. Then eat a meal, but dont overeat, or your blood sugar will spike.
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Why Do Chills Happen With Fevers
Fevers are often accompanied by “chills”shaking, shivering, and feeling cold. The odd sensation of feeling like you are overheating and freezing at the same time happens because there is a sharp contrast between the environment around you and your body.
When your body temperature is higher than normal, the air around you will feel colder than it usually does. In response, your muscles will rapidly contract and relax to produce body heat. This feels like having “the chills.”
Chills are more common in children and usually come on at the start of an illness such as the flu.
Flu Symptoms Hit Fast
The flu will often surprise you with how quickly symptoms begin, and how serious the illness can become. Classically, the flu starts with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscles aches, mild headache and fatigue. You may have other symptoms like a runny nose and cough, too. You feel lousy and you feel lousy fast.
How long does the flu last?
Flu onset usually happens about one to four days after infection, and symptoms typically last five to seven days. However, fatigue can stick around for a few extra days.
How long does a cold last?
A cold comes on gradually and will usually last longer than the flu. Cold germs are contagious for the first three days. And while your cough and congestion can last up to three weeks, other cold symptoms that last more than a week such as fever, chest discomfort or sinus pain may be a sign of a bacterial or sinus infection.
If you experience long-lasting symptoms, dont ignore them. Talk with a doctor. They can help diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.
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Start With Home Remedies For Colds And Flu
You should stay home if youre sick especially if you have a fever. Actually, its always recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away without the use of fever-reducing medications. Here are some steps you can take at home to feel better:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids .
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help lower your temperature, and get some headache or muscle ache relief. Warning: Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers who have the flu, as it comes with a small risk of causing the potentially fatal Reye Syndrome.
Cold Flu Allergies Or Covid
This article was updated April 18, 2022.
There are many similar symptoms of cold, flu, allergies and COVID-19.
Sometimes, it may be difficult to determine what ailment you may be experiencing.
So how can you know whether you are dealing with allergies, a common cold, the flu or COVID-19?
The biggest difference is the shortness of breath associated with COVID-19. The flu or cold does not cause shortness of breath unless it progresses to pneumonia.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
A cold, which could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses, can make you miserable but is relatively harmless. It usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. Common cold symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat and mild to moderate chest discomfort and cough.
Influenza, however, can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Symptoms include fever or feverish/chills, cough, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat.
Allergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Those suffering from allergies deal with itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.
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In Babies And Children
Ear infections are common in babies and children. Sometimes doctors may recommend watchful waiting to see if the infection goes away.
Although fever and headache are common symptoms in babies and children, they may be unable to express feelings of a headache.
Parents and guardians should check for other signs when a child has a fever, such as excessive fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, among others.
Antipyretics and pain relievers may help, but parents should seek medical attention first.
Babies and children may also develop meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
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Fever Chills And Other Symptoms
If you have a fever and chills because you’re sick from an infection, you may have other symptoms as well. The symptoms you have will depend on what you are sick with and which part of your body the infection is in.
Some general symptoms you might have with a fever and chills include:
Flu Symptoms: When To Bring Your Child Into The Emergency Center
We are in the midst of one of the most severe flu seasons in a decade. Texas Childrens alongside hospitals across the nation have seen a major jump in flu-related emergency center visits over the past several weeks. Its important for parents to understand when they should or shouldnt bring their child into an emergency center with flu-like symptoms. The flu can cause a variety of symptoms and effects, ranging from mild to severe. Most healthy people, including children, can recover from the flu without complications, and don’t need to go to the emergency center or seek hospitalization. Symptoms of the flu can include:
- Fever or chills
A child with these regular flu-like symptoms can usually be cared for at home with fever-reducing medication, like Tylenol or Ibuprofen, clear fluids and bed rest. If diagnosed early enough, some children might benefit from Tamiflu, a medication that requires a prescription from your pediatrician. To ensure your child has fully recovered from the flu, he/she should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. If your child’s flu-like symptoms return and worsen, or if your child is at high risk for developing flu-related complications , call your childs pediatrician to seek evaluation.
to schedule an appointment online.
You should seek immediate medical care in an emergency center if your child exhibits any of these core warning signs:
In adults, core warning signs signaling a need for urgent medical attention include:
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When Should I Call The Doctor
If you have any doubts or questions, it’s best to call your doctor. An illness that seems like a cold can turn out to be the flu or COVID-19. And other illnesses, like strep throat or pneumonia, can cause similar symptoms but need different treatment. Sometimes it’s hard to know for sure which germ is causing the problem. Then, doctors might do some tests to find out.
Get medical care right away if your child:
- seems to be getting worse
- has trouble breathing
