The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented effect on our daily lives, so we wanted to take a moment to answer some of the most common questions that our providers are getting from patients about how to protect themselves and their families.
What Are Common COVID-19 Symptoms?
Most individuals infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus develop symptoms two to 14 days following exposure. The type and severity of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some patients even remain asymptomatic or only feel as if they have a minor cold. The most common symptoms include a fever of 100.4°F or more, a cough, and shortness of breath. In some cases, the respiratory infection can become so severe that the individual may experience extreme difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, and cyanosis characterized by a blue tint to the face and lips.
What Is the Difference Between COVID-19 vs. Flu?
Both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu are respiratory illnesses; however, they are caused by two completely different viruses. We currently have vaccines and antiviral medications to help prevent and treat the flu. Although various clinical trials are underway to develop vaccines and treatments to prevent and treat COVID-19, none of these have received final approval and are not available for widespread use at this time. This means that the treatment for COVID-19 centers on supportive care rather than a cure.
What Is the Difference Between COVID-19 vs. Allergies?
The primary difference between COVID-19 vs. allergies is the causative agent. Unlike COVID-19, which is caused by a virus, allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to a substance that is normally harmless. Approximately 20% of Americans have allergies to pollen, pet dander, foods, or other substances. Allergy symptoms can vary in severity and in the way that they manifest. For example, some allergies may trigger respiratory symptoms while others may affect the skin or even the gastrointestinal system.
There also is a difference in the treatment approach between COVID-19 vs. allergies. As mentioned above, there currently is no specific treatment or cure for COVID-19. Allergy symptoms, on the other hand, can often be minimized with over-the-counter or prescription medications or injections designed to desensitize the body to the allergen.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html