Though the symptoms are similar, there is a difference in the severity caused by these infections
Here comes the season where there is a risk of all three major infections-- COVID, cold and flu. The symptoms are mostly alike in all the three cases, with variations in the severity and the course of the infection.
However, the end result is equally devastating for all. Therefore, it is very important to take note of the signs and symptoms of COVID, flu and cold and take necessary precautions so that you do not catch it frequently this season.
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COVID symptoms you need to watch out for
Runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue are the common COVID symptoms seen these days.
Be it vaccinated or unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, COVID symptoms do not greatly vary from individual to individual though the severity varies.
Since we all have seen the disastrous effect of COVID on human beings, it is advisable to isolate yourself immediately when you notice the symptoms.
Apart from the symptoms, you need to follow COVID safety rules as well. Given that the new variants are more transmissible and can evade immunity with much ease, you should be careful. If you come in contact with someone who later gets the infection, get yourself tested and remain in isolation for 7-10 days.
THESE symptoms indicate you have cold
Respiratory issue, common cold affects most of the people during the beginning of winter season.
The worst part is many people continue with their daily life, hardly taking any preventive measures, when they are affected with a common cold. This facilitates the spread of the disease among healthy individuals.
If you have a congested nose, itchy nose, breathing issues, fever, body ache, headache and fatigue, get your temperature recorded, consult your doctor and get rest.
Remain in isolation for the duration of days your doctor recommends, hydrate yourself properly and eat healthy food in order to spring back to normal life after the fever runs its course.
Know when you have flu
Differentiating flu from COVID and common cold is a Herculean task, as many symptoms overlap. A non-expert can never distinguish between these diseases.
The first distinct sign of flu is that it is caused by influenza virus.
The symptoms are headache, cough, muscle ache, fatigue and sore throat. Some people also experience a congested nasal passage which affects the way they breathe.
They all spread in the same way
What makes these infections a reason to worry about is the fact that they spread very quickly without any forewarning.
COVID, flu and common cold are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy individual through the air droplets released from the mouth, and nose. People who are in close contact with the infected person tend to catch the pathogens present in these droplets easily, which then grows and spreads in them.
Why do we need to be careful?
Though these diseases are self limiting in nature, mostly, their intensity is uncertain. It can’t be said to what degree an infection will affect a certain individual.
Moreover, with the growing number of new variants of COVID and in view of the destructive COVID waves which have already happened, it is important to make sure not to spread this disease at all.
Important points to keep in mind
You never know whether you have COVID, common cold or flu until you get tested. Till that, limit the spread of the infection as much as you can by sanitizing yourself, wearing a mask and avoiding meeting people when you are sick.
Whether sick or not, avoid going to overcrowded places especially if you have older people or kids sharing the same house or room.
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