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Is it coronavirus infection or just a cold? Symptoms can be confusing. The symptoms of COVID-19 can sometimes resemble a cold – there will be rhinitis, sneezing, dry throat. However, there are some differences in the course of the infection. What to look for? When is SARS-CoV-2 suspected? And if it is a cold, what to do and what to avoid, so as not to harm yourself more? We asked our family doctor, pediatrician and internist, MD Jacek Gleb.
- Although it is only possible to distinguish 100% of the coronavirus from the common cold by testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, there are differences in the course of both diseases
- Bow. Jacek Gleb: Many people believe that if they do not lose their sense of smell and taste, or just taste, they do not have COVID-19. This is not true
- What mistakes do we most often make when treating a cold? Doctor: the most important thing is to use excessive amounts of drugs that are ineffective against colds
- You can read more of such stories on the Onet homepage.
COVID-19 and Colds Symptoms – What Are the Differences?
100 percent it is impossible to distinguish coronavirus from the common cold without testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. In the course of both diseases, however, there are some differences that patients can pick up on their own. What to look for?
– One such difference is the type of cough, namely whether it is “wet” or “dry” in nature. A wet, productive cough would rather indicate a cold. COVID-19, on the other hand, is characterized by a rather dry, persistent cough (especially in the initial stage, as the disease progresses, it often becomes wetter) – explains the drug. Jacek Gleba, family doctor, pediatrician, internist – Unfortunately, dry cough can also be a symptom of other infections – he adds.
Another symptom worth paying attention to is a runny nose. – With a covid infection, it will be rather small and more runny. With a cold or bacterial infection, it has a denser, purulent, yellow-colored form – says the specialist.
- COVID-19 and the flu share many of the same symptoms. How to tell them apart? [WE EXPLAIN]
It is also worth paying attention to the duration of the symptoms. In the case of a cold, this time is closed in four to five days, after which the infection passes. With COVID-19, symptoms may appear on the first or second day and last for two weeks. – So if a dry cough bothers us for more than a week, it is a signal that the probability of infection with the coronavirus is high – emphasizes Jacek Gleba.
There are several “pitfalls” to “domestic” distinguishing COVID-19. Our expert draws attention to them.
— Much confusion is caused by the loss of smell and taste, or loss of taste. Many people believe that unless they experience a loss of these senses, they do not have COVID-19. This is not true. Maintaining the perception of smells and tastes does not rule out coronavirus infection. The second thing is the fever. We cannot say that exceeding a certain level of body temperature is a signal of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It can take place while maintaining the correct temperature. No fever is therefore not a criterion for excluding COVID-19, he emphasizes.
Treatment of colds. What to do and what to definitely avoid? The doctor advises
As long as symptoms aren’t severe, I wouldn’t worry if it’s COVID-19 or any other infection. At this point, the main thing is not to spread the pathogen. So the key thing is to stay home – says the drug. Jacek Gleba.
During this period, we can take anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. containing ibuprofen or paracetamol, vitamin D, vitamin C, and if necessary, cough syrup. – As long as we do not experience shortness of breath, chest pains or other disturbing symptoms, just stay at home and wait for the body to cope with it – he explains.
You can support your body in the fight against colds and symptoms of respiratory infections by drinking WIRUSTOP – a herbal-fruit tea that contains elderberry, echinacea, cistus and licorice.
- Colds – symptoms, treatment, prevention
What mistakes do we most often make when trying to cure a cold? According to Jacek Gleba, the most important is the use of excessive amounts of drugs that are ineffective against colds.
“An example is the administration of lime – it has no therapeutic effect,” he says. – Generally, in the course of a cold, I would avoid the use of large amounts of medications – they put a heavy burden on the body. It is also worth remembering that nasal preparations used too often can destroy the mucosa – so use them in moderation.
- Eight home remedies for colds
What’s worth doing? It will definitely strengthen your body. – Taking vitamin D will help, especially since even 80 percent. one of us may be deficient in this compound. However, vitamin D should be taken in reasonable amounts (a safe dose is up to 2000 IU / day). It is also worth rinsing the throat with warm water with salt or saline – the doctor lists.
In order to support immunity, it is worth drinking 3 times a day. For colds – herbal and fruit tea from Herbapol in Krakow.
- Most of us have a vitamin D deficiency. How do I supplement it? Doctor: This is not a simple matter
In the states of colds, hydration is also important, which we often forget. – During a cold, let’s drink a lot of fluids, basically in any amount. All warm teas, e.g. with honey or broths, are highly recommended – advises the internist.
Ashwagandha Root, which you can buy at Medonet Market, also has a supporting effect on immunity.
What to do, however, if after these five days the disease does not pass (which, as we said, could also indicate a cold), and even develops. – The first and most important thing is a medical consultation, i.e. a teleportation during which the doctor will determine whether a stationary visit is needed – he emphasizes.
If the situation is not sudden, we can consult a doctor without leaving home, using telemedicine. For this purpose, the patient can make an appointment with the doctor for a television visit.
Finally, the specialist pays attention to one more important point: common sense. – Exaggeration, as I mentioned above, can lead to complications, even in the course of a seemingly banal cold – he warns.
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