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The days are coming when every other person walk up sniffling and rubbing their nose suffering from cold and seasonal flu. But this time, this season will be different. A lot different than any time before as we’ll be dealing with not one, but various issues including a pandemic too. COVID19 has changed a lot for us in the past few months and now, nothing can be simpler like it was before. Be it any other health issue or even something as common as a seasonal flu, the first ever thought that crosses or mind now is that ‘am i suffering from COVID19?’ ‘did i get the virus?’. Thousand of questions cross our mind, thinking of the worst possible outcomes of the situation.
Now, the most important thing we want to know is whether the flu and cold we’re suffering from is a seasonal one or COVID19!. Be it fever, runny nose, headache or the loss of your sense of smell, this article is a guide to differentiate between the three illnesses.
The Symptoms Of COVID19
COVID19 is no more a new type of virus and we already already aware of what is it and how it affects us. It is seen how quickly it has spread worldwide. This cause a little flu which is similar to common cold but some very serious symptoms too.
COVID19 can be fatal for people who have underlying issues and specifically older people and people of all ages with severe heart issues, lung disease, and diabetes. There’s currently no cure or vaccine for COVID19.
COVID19 can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Fever or Chills
- Dry Cough
- Shortness Of Breath
- Lethargic behaviour
- Headaches
- Sore Throat (sometimes)
Is It Cold?
The symptoms one experience in a cold is generally very aggressive. Though it can be really miserable but it is easily dealt with at home and naturally subsides in a few days.
A cold has some or all of the symptoms mentioned below:
- Stuffed nose
- Runny nose
- Mild Cough
- Fatigue
- Excessive Sneezing
- Watery Eyes
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Body Aches
The duration of a common cold is approximately 7 to 10 days and it is usually treated by over-the-counter medications. Most of the cold and the viruses go away if a patient gives their bodies time to fight them. It is said that our immune system is the greatest defense against the common colds.
The Symptoms Of Flu
Getting a flu shot was never as important as it has become in 2020. The seasonal influenza which is also known as flu is still active and generally comes really fast. Specially when it is winters. Flu is a common respiratory infection which is caused by a virus that affects your nose, throat, and lungs.
Here is how you can identify the symptoms of influenza:
- Fever or chills
- Dry Cough
- Fatigue
- Body Aches
- Runny and Stuffy Nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhoea (sometimes in children)
Unlike colds and COVID19, vaccination is a good solution to prevent and treat influenza. As the season changes, if a person decides to get a flu shot and still get the flu, the symptoms are generally milder.
How To Differentiate In Seasonal Allergies
As the winter approaches and you start to get a runny nose and itchy irritated eyes, it is possible that you might have a cold, but it could also be seasonal allergies.
Here is how you can identify it:
- Your nose, eyes, throat, sinuses, and ear canals are itchy
- Experiencing Fatigue
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
There are some seasons that have their specific allergies as in springs, it is pollen. Pollen is present in the air which is developed from a variety of plants. Pollen is not visible to the eye but can wreak havoc on our body’s immune system. A person with seasonal allergies may experience more allergy symptoms on windy days as it increases the pollen counts in air.
People who suffer from allergies should not only rely on basic prevention. There are other things that can help alleviate the symptoms of these allergies. Treatments done with over the counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants can help reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion. You may also find relief with a nasal spray that can help decongest or ease inflammation in your sinuses. In addition, eye drops may also help relieve itchy or watery eyes.
Take Help From Marham
If you are also a victim of seasonal allergies and haven’t yet found a proper solution for your allergies, consult a doctor as soon as you can. To understand the difference between COVID19 and other viruses, you can always ask free questions from a doctor through Marham.pk.
Book yourself an in-person and also online consultation by using Marham’s Mobile App!
Can’t Find The App?
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
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IPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home Stay Safe!
Javeria Adil Chughtai
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