Are you suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus? First, stay calm . It may seem difficult to do this, but it is the first step to be taken before any other.
All of us, concerned about our health and that of other people, have tried to take all preventive measures to prevent the transmission of the new coronavirus. However, this time of year , with the drop in temperature, typical illnesses arise, such as flu and cold , whose symptoms can lead people to confuse us with those of Covid-19.
That is why it is so important to stay calm and not go to the hospital desperately. But, if you think you have become infected with Sars-CoV-2, even after strictly following the entire health protocol, what to do? After staying calm, you need to know the symptoms of Covid-19.
Index
- Symptoms of Covid-19
- I have mild symptoms
- I have confirmation from Covid-19
- What else do I need to know? What medicines can I take?
- Is there a right time to go to the hospital?
Symptoms of Covid-19
Covid-19’s symptoms are very similar to those of a common flu :
- fever above 37.8ºC;
- malaise;
- cough;
- coryza;
- sore throat;
- difficulty breathing.
There are other atypical symptoms that are less known, as they occur less frequently:
- loss of smell and taste;
- pain in muscles and joints;
- seasickness;
I have mild symptoms
If you experience any of the common symptoms, do not go to the hospital immediately , so as not to overload the health service , which is going through an extremely delicate situation. In addition, you will be exposed to an environment that puts you at risk of contamination, if you are not infected, and you can take the virus home and infect other people.
The Ministry of Health recommends, if suspected, to do home isolation for a period of 14 days . If possible, other people living with you should do the same, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Ministry of Health offers a free communication channel to answer questions about the disease, Dial Health – 136 . On the other end of the line, health professionals give guidance to the patient on how to proceed.
In addition to Dial 136, the folder also offers a service channel via WhatsApp . To access the service, just add the number +55 (61) 9938-0031 in your contacts and send a “hi”.
I have confirmation from Covid-19
If you have received confirmation that you are infected with Covid-19, try not to despair . Symptoms may not progress or even manifest. You will need to be more careful and continue with home isolation so as not to transmit the virus, especially to those who live with you.
In this case, the patient needs to be isolated in a room where there is good air circulation through the window, as the door must remain closed. The other people who live in the house must maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter from the patient , with whom they cannot share anything: utensils, bed and bath linen, etc. Even the waste produced by the patient must be separated and disposed of properly.
The patient must have his own cutlery and glasses, separated from the others, and his bed and bath clothes must be washed separately.
What else do I need to know? What medicines can I take?
Many doubts arise when a person is ill, such as whether he can take combination drugs. Painkillers and antipyretics can be taken by the patient in case of pain and fever.
The Ibuprofen was considered a dangerous drug for patients with Covid-19, although there is no scientific proof about it. However, it is best to avoid it. The Dr. Varella Varella recommends the use of paracetamol and dipyrone painkillers.
The other recommendations are the same for the flu : hydration, rest and a healthy diet that strengthens your immune system .
Is there a right time to go to the hospital?
As in any other situation, going to the hospital should be a measure motivated by a serious case . If the patient’s fever does not go away or increases and the breathing problems worsen, it is time to consider seeking a hospital or a Basic Health Unit (UBS) that is treating Covid-19 cases.
According to Dr. Drauzio, if even with painkillers and rest, the person does not show improvement in mild symptoms, he should be taken to a health center , first, where most cases can be resolved, before referral to a hospital.
If the person is having severe breathing difficulties (shortness of breath, shortness of breath), it is recommended to take them immediately to the nearest hospital , especially if they are in a risk group.
The municipalities have released lists of hospitals and UBS that provide this specific service. To find the nearest health unit (which is able to receive patients with Covid-19), you can search the ministry’s communication channels (Dial Health or WhatsApp) or access the list of state hospitals and Basic Units Health providing service in your city.
If you have a health plan , contact your operator to request this information as well. Coverage for tests that detect the infection was regulated by the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS) for all health plans.
