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Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19
The new coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in some of our communities. By now, most of us know someone who is directly affected by COVID-19, which can raise our levels of anxiety with good reason.
With so much information going around social media, many of us feel at a loss. With the virus continually mutating, and new research becoming available almost every day, the questions linger. How can we know if we have the virus, which are the signs and symptoms to look for before we reach out for help?
At Altus Emergency Centers, we highly recommend you get your information from official sites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Here we will try to provide you with the most common signs of symptoms of COVID-19 so you can do an initial self-assessment so you can know when to seek medical help.[/vc_column_text][us_cta title=”Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.” btn_label=”FIND AN ER” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Ffind-an-emergency-room-near-me-find-an-er%2F”][/us_cta][vc_column_text]
Early Signs of COVID-19
Although there is no specific order in which symptoms can manifest, some of the most common early signs of infection include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
Common Symptoms of COVID-19
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or feeling congested
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
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More Recently Discovered Symptoms of COVID-19
Every day as more data becomes available, researchers and doctors are noticing other symptoms of COVID-19.
Some symptoms discovered lately include a new loss of smell or taste and sudden confusion. If you or someone you know develops sudden confusion, you should seek immediate medical help. Sudden confusion could be a sign not only of complications from COVID-19 but also other severe conditions, including stroke.
This past week, researchers in Madrid, Spain, observed tiny round spots in the mouths of COVID-19 patients. These pinpoint round spots called oral petechiae are produced by bleeding blood vessels under the skin.
The patients who showed these lesions also had an external skin rash, which is making dermatologists think this could be a new symptom of COVID-19.
How to Check For COVID-19 Symptoms in Children
Most children experience milder symptoms compared to adults, but some children do develop severe complications from COVID-19. Therefore, you should not underestimate the potential danger to children or wait too long to get medical help when needed.
The main symptoms of the novel coronavirus to for in children are:
- A high fever. Children will feel hot to the touch in the chest or back areas
- A new, continuous cough. This means frequently coughing for more than one hour or experiencing more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- Fatigue. Your child may seem lethargic or weak
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When to Seek Medical Help
If you know you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the virus, don’t rush to get tested right away.
The virus takes anywhere from 2 to 14 days to incubate, so if you test too early, you may get a false negative result.
If you think you may have the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, self-isolate in your home. If you live with others, confine yourself to one room or side of your home. Don’t let anyone else use the same plates, utensils, or glasses that you are using to prevent spreading the virus.
Call your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms listed above. If you need to come to our ER, we will be happy to treat you. All we ask is that you call ahead so we can take precautions to protect our staff and other patients.
You should seek immediate medical help if you develop any of these symptoms:
- Prolonged or severe trouble breathing
- Persistent pressure or pain in the chest area
- Inability to stay awake
- Confusion
- Blue lips or face
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Altus Emergency Centers are available to treat all patients regardless of symptoms.
We provide a free medical evaluation to all patients who visit us. Based on that medical assessment, our doctors will recommend the best treatment options for you and your family.
We are here for all of you if and when you need us![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]