These two symptoms in your nose can be a sign of COVID-19
Do you have these two signs of coronavirus infection in your nose?
As more and more people have begun to step out of their homes, the chances of contracting the infection have also increased exponentially. While earlier breathlessness, fever and dry cough were considered the hallmarks of COVID-19, it is presenting itself in absolutely novel ways in different people. It is important to note that while runny nose and congestion are not typical symptoms of coronavirus, some patients do report them. In mild cases of coronavirus infection, people do have a runny nose and nasal congestion, which can be mistaken for the flu or cold, in the absence of other telltale signs of the disease.
How do you know it is COVID-19?
It may be difficult to distinguish between cold, flu and COVID-19, especially if you have common symptoms like runny nose and congestion. This is precisely why it is important to pay attention to other signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing including dry cough, fever, unexplained fatigue and breathlessness. One key difference can be experiencing shortness of breath, which usually does not appear in the case of flu or common cold but is a common occurrence in COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, for most people, while a dry cough and fever are markers of COVID-19, a runny nose and nasal congestion usually aren't.
What should you do in case you develop a runny nose and congestion?
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread at an alarming rate, if you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms (including runny nose and nasal congestion), it is best to assume that any of these signs can be COVID-19 and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. Even if you have developed a mild case of COVID-19, you can very well transmit the infection to those in a higher-risk category. The bottom line is to consult your medical care provider or family doctor in case you develop any signs of flu-like illness or any unusual symptoms during the pandemic. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
Early diagnosis may aid quicker recovery
In the absence of a vaccine to contain the spread of the novel contagion, prevention and proactive measures remain our best bet to sail through during these testing times. In addition to wearing face covers or face masks and following social distancing norms, it is extremely important to be on the watch out for any unusual symptom in your body. While earlier COVID-19 was thought of as a respiratory illness, it is now well known that the virus can impact several parts of the body, from head-to-toe. It is extremely important to educate yourself about the potential symptoms of COVID-19 to seek timely help and take the appropriate measures of self-isolation.
- 09-Oct-2020
- 102 Likes
