The Philippines is now under a state of public health emergency due to reports of local transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the respiratory disease that has symptoms similar to typical colds, flu, and allergic rhinitis. It has now infected more than 110,000 people worldwide and caused more than 4,000 deaths, as of this writing.
The Department of Health (DOH) admitted it had limited testing kits available to detect and confirm COVID-19 patients. The department also directed patients with mild symptoms to self-quarantine at home to prevent overcrowding in hospitals.
DOH Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained not all individuals who exhibit flu-like symptoms should run to hospitals for testing.
Individuals who should get priority for COVID-19 testing are only the following:
- Those who have COVID-19 symptoms and travel history to areas with local cases of transmission
- Those who have COVID-19 symptoms and were exposed to a person who tested positive for the disease
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWPeople who exhibit signs and symptoms of respiratory diseases such as fever, sore throat, cough, and colds but have no travel history to affected areas or exposure to confirmed COVID-19 patients need not rush to the hospital to get tested. Instead, they should monitor their symptoms at home, Vergeire told CNN Philippines.
“If symptoms progress, they can consult their doctor. But they are the ones who are at very low risk of contracting this disease,” she stresses. The DOH also has a hotline +63 (2) 8711-1001 to 1002 you can call to check before going to the hospital.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowCOVID-19 symptoms vs. signs of other respiratory ailments
The symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to other respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, influenza or flu, and allergic rhinitis, which may cause confusion and panic. Below, we’ve listed the symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses to help you check.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says symptoms of COVID-19 may manifest in as short as a couple of days up to two weeks (14 days) after a person is exposed to the novel coronavirus. It can be spread through contact with an infected person or their secretions (e.g., cough droplets). Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands is also another way to get infected.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
Some COVID-19 patients may also sometimes display other signs, such as:
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- nausea
- headaches
- fatigue or tiredness
- body aches
- diarrhea
The best way to protect yourself from getting infected is by regular and proper handwashing, avoiding large crowds, and delaying non-essential travel to areas with known local COVID-19 transmission. You need to strengthen your immune system as well.
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Symptoms of the flu
Influenza or flu is a seasonal illness. It is caused by three types of influenza viruses and has several different strains. Like COVID-19, the flu is very contagious and can spread rapidly from person to person. Symptoms of the flu include:
- fever or feeling feverish and having chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue or tiredness
- vomiting (rare)
- diarrhea (rare)
The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to make sure you receive the yearly flu vaccination. Make sure kids also receive the complete recommended immunizations. (Can the pneumonia vaccines and flu vaccines help prevent COVID-19 infection? Click here.)
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWSymptoms of the common cold
Similar to COVID-19 and the flu, the common cold is caused by viruses easily caught through direct contact. It has similar symptoms as the flu but milder, and they typically progress gradually. These include:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- slight body aches
- mild to moderate chest discomfort
- sore throat
- fatigue or tiredness (sometimes)
- fever or chills (rare)
- headaches (rare)
The best way to fight colds is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids like water or juice. Colds generally do not cause serious health problems and resolves itself in about two weeks, even without treatment, except for managing some symptoms.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) defines allergic rhinitis as an allergic reaction to airborne allergens, such as the seasonal pollens or year-round dust and animal dander. It shares many symptoms as a common cold, but it is not caused by a virus. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis, include:
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW- stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion
- itching, usually in the nose, mouth, eyes, or throat
- puffy, swollen eyelids
- sneezing
- cough
Allergic rhinitis is mostly hereditary or runs in the family. Allergy bouts are often typically triggered by common irritants such as cigarette smoke, products with strong odors (e.g., perfumes, cosmetics, hair spray), laundry detergents, cleaning solutions, pool chlorine, car exhaust, and other air pollutants. Most incidents are relatively short-lived, with symptoms improving in three to seven days.
So many symptoms to check? Don’t worry, we made a table that hopefully makes it easier for you to check. The idea is inspired by Infogram.com.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWFor more updates on COVID-19, click here.
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