What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released into the air after someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may then inhale the infected droplets or they may enter your nose or mouth, causing the infection.
What are COVID-19 symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 vary in type and severity. It’s not unusual for COVID-19 symptoms to resemble other respiratory viral infections like the common cold or the flu.
Common COVID-19 signs and symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
- Inability to taste or smell
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
You may be at greater risk of developing more severe symptoms if you have underlying health issues such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, or a weakened immune system. Older adults are also at greater risk of developing more serious symptoms.
Though the severity of COVID-19 symptoms varies, you should seek immediate medical care if you’re experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty staying awake, ongoing chest pain or pressure, or your face or lips are blue.
When should I get tested for COVID-19?
On average, symptoms of COVID-19 appear within five days of catching the virus but may occur anywhere between two and 14 days.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or you’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you should contact CareLife Medical & Style to schedule your COVID-19 testing.
Before having you come in for your COVID-19 testing, Dr. Aziz may first conduct a telehealth appointment to review your symptoms and risk of exposure.
What happens during COVID-19 testing?
Dr. Aziz conducts your COVID-19 testing at the office. During the test, she conducts a nasal or throat swab, which is then sent to a lab for testing. The length of time it takes to get your results may vary.
While waiting for your test results, Dr. Aziz recommends you quarantine yourself to protect others from getting the virus. If you think you had COVID-19 but never got tested, Dr. Aziz may suggest an antibody test, which is a blood test that checks for antibodies against the virus.
COVID-19 is a new and evolving disease that causes a range of symptoms. CareLife Medical & Style can help you get the answers you need. Contact the office by phone or schedule your COVID-19 testing online.
