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– We are talking so much about coronavirus in the public sphere right now that it seems like there are no more diseases left, just COVID-19. However, the most likely upper respiratory diseases during this period have not disappeared anywhere either. In practice, you have probably already experienced coronavirus patients, what are the main symptoms that indicate that you may only have a common cold and not COVID-19.
– We would all like to know that magic one or more symptoms that would help distinguish if we have COVID-19, unfortunately this is not possible, because this disease has a wide variety of symptoms, so only the test can answer exactly.
If you ask about other diseases of the upper respiratory tract, we commented with our colleagues a few days ago that we registered very few typical viruses of this period. I think it’s because people really pay more attention to personal hygiene, wearing masks. Of the patients I am currently seeing for ailments, almost all have COVID-19.
Influenza
– In all cases where we experience symptoms of colds and fever, is a coronavirus test recommended?
– If we live on a single farm and we are sure that we will not have unnecessary contacts, it may not be necessary. But if we are urban dwellers, we had a lot of social contact before we got sick, we should also do a test for preventive purposes to warn others to be more careful.
Many of my patients thanked me for calling for the test, even though they only felt the symptoms for a few days, meaning they would have gone to work in contact with close family members, so knowing that COVID-19 was sick could have prevented the virus from spreading to others.
It is also very important to note that the first test does not always show that you are sick and sometimes a second test is needed, so don’t be too quick to rejoice if you experience non-COVID-19 cold symptoms so that we can communicate with everyone.
– I understand that your practice shows that the symptoms can be very varied and not necessarily as dramatic as we read online.
– Definitely yes, the symptoms are actually very different. Some people simply feel great weakness, others have low temperatures. I had a patient who had skin pain. It is also characterized by musculoskeletal pain, inhalation pain, back pain. The symptoms are really very different.
– Do we correctly understand that if you experience any symptoms of a cold, you should avoid any social contact, not go to work in any way, not communicate with friends?
– Really so.
– One of the most common symptoms of colds is fever. Tell me, when is it advisable to start lowering the temperature with medication?
– Fever is necessary for the healing process, so do not rush to beat the temperature artificially. Fever lasting up to three days is considered normal, it is very important to use plenty of fluids at that time. A fever of up to 38 degrees and a little more if a person can raise that temperature is not considered dangerous to health.
In case of fever, paracetamol or ibuprofen, which have anti-inflammatory effects but do not cure the disease itself, should not be rushed. So if we can increase the temperature, the pain, we should hold on for a few days.
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– What other recommendations are available for colds and possibly coronavirus this year?
– As we said, if we start to have a fever, do not rush to take antipyretics. Paracetamol is more recommended to lower the temperature of the coronavirus. It is necessary to drink as much fluid as possible, for an adult, at least 2 liters.
We must also understand that no antibiotics act on the virus, so they should not be taken in any way. Our body has to fight the virus on its own, so we need to help it recover and focus on it, on recovery, not on work or other activities. Vitamin D and C supplementation is recommended. Vitamin D can also be taken prophylactically.
– Do you notice that COVID-19 is characterized by a variety of changeable symptoms, as well as a wavy course and significantly longer recovery time?
– Really so. In the past, we didn’t even plan to catch a cold for more than 5 days. Now a 10-day certificate of disability is issued immediately.
– What are the current options for sick patients receiving treatment at home to receive a medical consultation?
– It is necessary that you contact your family doctor as you can do this, each institution has its own procedures. If a person has coronavirus, a physical visit from a family doctor is probably not very appropriate, as protective measures limit the ability to perform the essential action of listening to the lungs. Therefore, targeted blood and lung tests are much more important, but unfortunately not all institutions have the same opportunities.
– Tell me, what are the symptoms that indicate that you may have complications and should be treated in the hospital?
– Seek additional medical attention when shortness of breath occurs and the number of inhalations exceeds 30 per minute. It is still possible to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood, there are tools that can be bought in a pharmacy or even go to your medical institution to loan them for temporary use.
The risk arises when the oxygen saturation in the blood falls less than 94 percent. ribos. You should also be concerned if you have a fever for a long time, you suffer from very severe pain. At first this should be discussed with your GP who will decide if you need hospital care.
Immune system
– Please share, general recommendations, what advice would you give people on how to strengthen immunity and not get sick?
– First of all, you should think less about the sick and more about yourself. My advice would be to get more sleep, stick to the regimen, be outdoors. You must sleep at least 7 hours. per day, ideally if we are going to rest for 22 to 23 hours.
Well-being would also improve with a walk of up to half an hour in the fresh air at least 2-3 times a week. We must not forget to ventilate the premises regularly so that we have more fresh air. As I mentioned, it would be possible to take vitamin D prophylactically, if we have the opportunity, a blood test can be done to show the need for this vitamin. Also vitamin C, zinc, adequate fluid intake and a good mood: these would be the main recommendations.
Be healthy!
– Thank you for your answers.
More information on the portal “What’s happening in Kaunas”.
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