COVID-19 Symptoms and What to Do
Understanding the symptoms of COVID-19 2024 is crucial for early detection and management. Below is a comprehensive table outlining common symptoms of COVID-19, along with guidance on what actions to take if you or your child exhibits these symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | A high temperature indicates you feel hot to touch, especially on the chest or back (no need to measure). |
| New, Continuous Cough | Coughing frequently for more than an hour or having three or more coughing episodes within 24 hours. |
| Loss or Change in Taste/Smell | A noticeable loss or alteration in your sense of taste or smell. |
| Shortness of Breath | Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless. |
| Fatigue | Unusual tiredness or exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. |
| Aching Body | General body aches and discomfort. |
| Headache | Persistent pain in the head. |
| Sore Throat | Pain or irritation in the throat. |
| Blocked or Runny Nose | Nasal congestion or excessive mucus. |
| Loss of Appetite | Decreased desire to eat or drink. |
| Diarrhoea | Frequent, loose, or watery stools. |
| Nausea or Vomiting | Feeling sick or actually vomiting. |
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
If you or your child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, consider the following steps:
- Stay Home: Isolate at home and avoid contact with others, especially if experiencing a high temperature or feeling unwell.
- Monitor Symptoms: Return to normal activities only when feeling better and no longer have a high temperature.
- For Mild Symptoms in Children: If your child has mild symptoms (e.g., runny nose, sore throat), they may attend school or childcare if they feel well enough.
Self-Care for COVID-19 Symptoms
While treatment options may vary, you can take measures to ease symptoms:
Do’s
- Rest: Ensure plenty of rest to aid recovery.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids; urine should be light yellow or clear.
- Pain Relief: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort.
- Honey for Cough: A teaspoon of honey may help with a cough (avoid giving honey to babies under 12 months).
- Manage Breathlessness: Open windows for airflow, sit upright, and lean slightly forward to ease breathing.
Don’ts
- Avoid Lying Flat: If coughing, lie on your side or sit up to breathe easier.
- No Fans: Do not use fans as they may spread the virus.
- Stay Calm: Try not to panic if experiencing breathlessness, as it may worsen symptoms.
What to Do If You Test Positive
If you or your child tests positive for COVID-19, follow these guidelines:
- Isolate: Stay home for:
- 3 days for children under 18.
- 5 days for adults 18 and over.
- Limit Contact: Avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals for 10 days.
- Testing: No longer required to take a COVID-19 test if symptomatic.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Contact healthcare services if you notice:
- Symptoms worsening or not improving.
- Signs of other illnesses (e.g., rash, loss of appetite).
- High temperature lasting more than 5 days.
Urgent Actions: Call 999 or visit A&E if experiencing:
- Sudden chest pain or severe breathlessness.
- Coughing up blood.
- Unusual symptoms in children (e.g., not responding, rash that doesn’t fade).
Conclusion
Recognizing COVID-19 symptoms and knowing how to respond is vital for health and safety. If you have concerns or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. Stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.