The outbreak of COVID-19, a coronavirus illness that originated in Wuhan, China, has affected more than 200,000 people around the world [1]. With this outbreak has come plenty of concern among those who feel even the slightest common cold or flu symptoms and of course, that’s only natural.

Let us take you through the definite signs of the coronavirus and what you should look out for.

What Are The Signs Of Coronavirus?

Typically, the family of coronaviruses are known to lead to respiratory illness - this can range from a mild common cold to more severe cases such as pneumonia.

Take a look at the most common signs of COVID-19 to give you an idea of what to look out for [2]:

  • Fever

Normal body temperature usually ranges around 36 and 36.8C whilst when your body temperature reaches 38C or higher, you’re considered to have a fever [3].

  • Cough

A notable sign of COVID-19 is a dry cough.

  • Shortness of breath

If you begin to experience difficulty breathing or a persistent pain or pressure in your chest, it’s important to get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately.

When do symptoms of coronavirus appear?

If you’ve been exposed to the virus, symptoms may occur between 2-14 days following exposure/infection [5]. Though this timeline isn’t concrete, it is based on the incubation period of previous coronaviruses and can vary from person to person.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to stay at home and call your healthcare provider for medical advice immediately.

Emergency warning signs include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

The best way to prevent contracting the virus is to take steps towards protecting yourself and those around you, these include [6]:

  • Clean your hands carefully and often
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home if you’re sick
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, not your hand
  • Wear a facemask if you’re sick
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly

References

  1. World Health Organization. WHO statement on cases of COVID-19 surpassing 100,000. Online: Who.it, 2020
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Online: Cdc.gov, 2020
  3. HSE. High temperature. Online: HSE.ie, 2019
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Online: Cdc.gov, 2020
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Online: Cdc.gov, 2020
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Steps to prevent illness. Online: Cdc.gov, 2020