Some symptoms of the coronavirus coincide with those of the seasonal flu and common colds. It is worth reviewing them to know how to differentiate both ailments. However, any precaution is little. Even if you are convinced that you have not contracted COVID-19, call your health center and stay home. Follow the instructions of your doctor and do not go out until they do a PCR, they confirm that you do not suffer from the disease and they tell you that you can go out. Any recklessness could put people around you at risk.
Symptoms of the coronavirus
According to a study on COVID-19 published in The New England Journal of Medicine , these are the 3 most common symptoms of the disease, in order of prevalence:
Both the Ministry of Health and the WHO also include the feeling of shortness of breath as one of the main symptoms of the coronavirus. 80% of cases have mild symptoms.
They are not the most common, but the WHO has recently expanded the list of possible symptoms, although they are not the most common: headache, general malaise, sore throat, nasal congestion or even diarrhea. In any case, it is recommended to stay at home if for any reason you start to feel unwell, even if they are mild symptoms such as those mentioned. Another new symptom of the coronavirus is the loss of smell and taste.
Cold and flu symptoms
Some of the symptoms of the flu can be similar to those of the coronavirus.
- High fever (more than 38º)
- General malaise
- Headache
- Back pain
- The symptoms have appeared suddenly
On the other hand, in a cold it is rare that the fever exceeds a few tenths, there is usually a sore throat, mucus and more than discomfort it is a feeling of dullness. In addition, cold symptoms are usually gradual: first the throat itches, then the snot comes next, etc.
Coronavirus: what do I do if I have any symptoms?
If you think you have any symptoms of COVID-19, do not go to the doctor, call the phones recommended by the ministry and, above all, stay isolated at home.
- Andalusia 955 545 060
- Castilla-La Mancha 900 122 122
- Valencian Community 900 300 555)
- La Rioja 941 298 333
- Castile and Leon 900 222 000
- Galicia 900 400 116
- Murcia 900 121 212
- Ceuta 900 720 692
- Navarra 948 290 290
- Canary Islands 900 112 061
- Basque Country 900 203 050
- Asturias 112
- Extremadura 112
- Melilla 112
- Aragon 061
- Catalonia 061
- Balearic Islands 061
- Cantabria 061 or 112
If you have any questions, go to the website of the Ministry of Health where the information on the coronavirus is updated daily. If you are from Catalonia, the Generalitat has created an app to monitor your health and activate the medical emergency system if they deem it necessary.
How to prevent the spread of coronavirus
These are the prevention measures recommended by the Spanish health authorities:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hydroalcoholic gel.
- Wear a mask.
- Maintain a distance of one and a half meters between people.
- Minimize social contacts.
- Cover your mouth with your elbow flexed when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
A good daily intake of foods with zinc will help you have a strong immune system and will help you improve your defenses, prevent colds and have strong hair and nails. In addition, we give you 20 easy tips to raise your defenses and improve your health.
