As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a public health threat, it’s important to understand your risk and know when to seek help. With so much false information out there, it’s important to look at reliable sources for information regarding the coronavirus.
The World Health Organization and the CDC are closely monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites. Staying informed is important, but so is taking care of your health.
Initial Symptoms
Anyone can experience mild to moderate symptoms. Patients with underlying medical conditions such as heart complications, diabetes, or lung disease are at a higher risk to experience severe complications. According to the centers for disease control and prevention, here are the common symptoms reported by coronavirus patients:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms can be present within two-fourteen days of contracting COVID-19.
Perform A Virtual Diagnostic Test
If you think you could have been exposed to coronavirus, you can perform a self-diagnostic test online to determine the next steps. The self-assessment is for informational purposes only. It is not a professional medical opinion and cannot diagnose if you have COVID-19. Take the assessment online from the comfort of your own home here.
Where to Get Tested
You have two options when it comes to coronavirus testing.
The Antibody Test: A blood test used to determine the presence of antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. The test is not as sensitive as the swab test and indirectly detects the virus.
The Swab Test: The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or swab test is what the State of Texas Department of Health Services prefers for detecting the virus.
Conclusion
As more non-essential businesses are opening in Texas, it’s still important to practice social distancing, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently. If you think you have the virus and are having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. After you’ve performed the online diagnostic screening and think you could have been infected, contact us to schedule an appointment.
