Symptoms of COVID-19 - important to know it all

The novel coronavirus surfaced in a Chinese seafood and poultry market in December 2019. We saw the first case in the U.S. in January. Now, in February, the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) proposed an official name for the disease the novel coronavirus causes: COVID-19. this is an acronym that stands for coronavirus disease 2019. COVID-19 has spread to nearly every country worldwide. 

What are the signs of COVID-19?

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

Less common symptoms:

• Aches and pains

• Sore throat

• Diarrhea

• Conjunctivitis

• Headache

• Loss of taste or smell

• a rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

Who is at increased risk?

Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.

What is a "negative" test?

Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected.
For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.

Should I be afraid of contact with animals?

CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States.

CDC regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to human health, USDA regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and FWS regulates the importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.