COVID-19 has upended the entire world and while some countries have recovered, the United States has not. COVID-19 is still running amuck in our day to day lives. It has changed how we interact with others and go about our daily living. It is reported that 80 percent of people who become infected with the virus will have a mild case that can be treated at home. 

The coronavirus was initially found in 2019 and even a year later it has been difficult for scientists and medical professionals to find an effective treatment plan. The virus has a different effect on each individual. You may be left wondering ‘How do I know if I have COVID’? 

The answer is not as simple as one might think.

Is it the Flu or is it COVID-19?

One of the biggest problems medical professionals have had to face is that the symptoms of COVID-19 are nearly identical to the flu. This means that the general population initially thinks they simply have the flu and do not take any further precautions. This is dangerous because COVID-19 is highly contagious. This means that when a person decides to be around others while sick, thinking they have the flu, they are spreading COVID-19 pathogens to everyone around them. 

So when you do begin to feel sick you can be left wondering, ‘How do I know if I have COVID-19 and not the flu’? The answer is to get tested. The moment there is an onset of symptoms, schedule a COVID-19 test. If it is negative then you more than likely have the flu. In either case, you should contact your primary care physician to get treatment.

How do I Know If I Have COVID-19?

There are many symptoms attributed to COVID-19, which can range from mild to severe. The early signs are typically mild and include the following: 

• vomiting
• nausea
• headache
• fever
• chills
• shortness of breath
• loss of taste
• loss of smell

These symptoms are often described as a really bad cold or flu. They can actually be signs of COVID-19. If you begin to feel any of these symptoms it is important to schedule a test and confirm whether or not it is COVID-19. If you test positive you will need to quarantine immediately and work with your doctor preferably via telemedicine. You must also watch your symptoms to ensure they do not get worse. In mild cases, worsening symptoms can include: 

• dry cough
• loss of appetite
• body aches
• fatigue
• high fever
• shortness of breath
• pneumonia

These are all signs that you are worsening. Work with your doctor and other medical professionals to fight these symptoms before they worsen to an extreme case of the virus. The worst cases of COVID-19 will look a little like this: 

• trouble breathing
• pressure in the chest
• confusion
• blush lips
• blush face

Contact UrgentMED Today

If you have the question ‘how do I know if I have COVID’ replaying in your mind it may be time to get a COVID-19 test. We offer different testing forms as well as convenient locations so that you can visit us anytime.

Visit our site to see where one of our nearest locations is for you.