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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptoms Health Tips

The effects of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), are being felt across the globe, but what are the main symptoms we should be looking out for?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the main symptoms of the coronavirus usually include:-

  • A new, continuous cough - This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. (If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • A high temperature - This means you feel hot to touch on your back or chest (You do not need a thermometer to measure your temperature)
  • Tiredness/Lethargy
  • Shortness of breath (This is particularly in more severe cases)

WHO has also reported that some people may experience the following symptoms:-

  • Aches and pains
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pains

The WHO adds. "These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell".

In milder cases you may feel like you have seasonal flu, however, in more severe cases, complications can lead to severe breathing problems, pneumonia, kidney infection and sadly even death.

Older people and people with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory or immunodeficiency problems are more at risk of having more severe symptoms.

What should you do if you have symptoms?

To help contain the rapid spread of this fast-spreading disease, it is important that the following steps are taken if you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms.

  • Isolate yourself in a room. Do not have contact with anyone in the house. The room should be well ventilated and you should maintain thorough hygiene routines.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water. Use single-use tissue to dry them and dispose of them in the bin after use.
  • If it is not possible for you to isolate yourself in just one room, keep a two-meter distance between you and others living with you. Increase hygiene and disinfection measures.
  • Communicate with others via the telephone. Being in touch with loved ones will enable you to have help with provisions etc and will help you keep a positive attitude whilst in isolation.
  • Contact your health centre or phone your Autonomous Community number. If however you experience difficulty breathing or your symptoms become more severe call 112. You can also call the Sanitas 24 hour emergency telephone number for assistance. The number is 91 752 29 01.

If it has been confirmed that if you have COVID-19 and you are Isolating at home, extreme care must be taken to reduce the risk of it spreading to others.

  • Wear a mask when you are around other people and when going out to common spaces
  • Clean shared places/areas daily with disinfectant/bleach
  • Use your own dishes, utensils, towels etc
  • Wash clothes at 60-90 degrees

To help alleviate your symptoms, it is best to follow these guidelines.

  • To reduce your temperature take paracetamol, apply a cold damp cloth to your forehead or if possible take a cool shower.
  • Drink water. It is important to stay hydrated.
  • Although you may feel lethargic, try to get up and move around a little throughout the day.
  • Isolation should last at least 14 days from when symptoms started, even if symptoms have disappeared.
  • Anyone that you have had contact with should also self isolate for 14 days. This is the time needed to confirm if the disease has been passed on.

You can find out more about the COVID-19 Coronavirus by downloading our free guide https://www.healthplanspain.com/sanitas/coronavirus.pdf

To keep up to date with all the latest Coronavirus news, see our Coronavirus in Spain Updates Page.

Image Credit: Anastasia Gepp from Pixabay