How to distinguish corona virus and common cold

Experts say the basic features that help you distinguish between signs of Corona virus or simply a common cold.

Colds are a very common disease among people, especially when the seasons change and the weather changes. In the normal case, colds and fevers are not a big problem, you need to use antipyretics and drink plenty of water to be able to help after a few days, as long as there are no bacterial or viral infections.

However, recently, the outbreak of Corona virus pneumonia in Wuhan, with signs not much different from the common cold, has made many people subjective and unable to detect in time. So, what is the real difference between corona virus infection and the common cold?

How to distinguish Corona virus and colds

The following is the share of Dr. Yang Yiyan, head of immunology department of Zhongshan Hospital on how to distinguish these two diseases :

Corona viruses are a highly contagious respiratory virus, but they have the potential to cause severe pneumonia.

If the common cold or fever does not cause serious infections, the body will gradually improve if treated with medication prescribed by a doctor or cold medicine at home. Even in many cases without medication, just rest and drink enough water, colds will gradually improve within 3-5 days.

However, if you have the Corona virus, taking regular medicine will not make the condition better. In addition to the abnormally high body temperature , Corona virus will attack the respiratory system, causing pneumonia, leading to hypoxia, pronounced shortness of breath, this is a sign that the common cold does not have.

So, if you experience these symptoms, calmly discriminate and stay alert, or should see a doctor so that they can be tested promptly.

Corona virus is spreading at breakneck speed.

Action should be taken when suspicion of infection with Corona virus

Actions to take when you feel you may be infected with Corona virus:

• 1. Isolate yourself first: Stay in a room alone and restrict to public places, but in a room should be well ventilated, and wear a mask for yourself and family members to prevent the virus from spreading. You should eat and drink alone until the symptoms of the cold disappear, if the illness does not improve after several days you should go to the hospital for coronavirus testing.
• 2. Drink more water when you have signs of fever, cough, headache ., you can use vitamin C effervescent tablets, or fresh orange juice.
• 3. Go to the pharmacy to buy an oxygen monitor , morning and evening daily to automatically measure the oxygen saturation in the blood, in normal people mostly about 98. If there is a downward trend, there is a possibility Coronavirus pneumonia, please go to the hospital to get blood tested promptly.
• 4. In the case of Corona virus pneumonia, follow the hospital arrangement for isolation and treatment .

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