COVID-19: Key Symptoms, Difference Between Self-Isolation, Quarantine, Distancing, Must Do and Donts If In Contact With A Positive Patient

There have been several misconceptions about the disease and without knowing the symptoms many persons have been misdiagnosed, leaving them in more danger of dying from the disease. Below are the key symptoms of COVID-19.

1. Fever

2. Dry cough

3. Tiredness

4. Some patients may have aches and pains

5. Some may experience nasal congestion

6. Sore throat

7. Diarrhea

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

Some people become infected but only very mild symptoms, however, most people (about 80 per cent) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment.

Around one in five who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develop breathing difficulty.

Older people and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer are at higher risk of developing serious illness.

However, anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill.

People with very mild symptoms of COVID-19 can transmit the virus. If anyone shows symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, such a person must seek medical attention

In a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies authorized to handle COVID-19, have given some advisories including self-isolation, self-quarantine and social-distancing.

Though these advisories and measures have constantly been dissipated through various mediums, still, there are millions who do not understand what they really mean.

Here is what it means to self-isolate, self-quarantine and to keep a distance.

Isolation

Isolation means separating people who are ill with symptoms of COVID-19 and may be infectious to prevent the spread of the disease.

Distancing

Physical distancing means being physically apart. It is recommended that you keep at least one metre (3 feet) distance from others.

This is a general measure that everyone should take even if they are well with no known exposure to COVID-19.

Quarantine

Quarantine means restricting activities or separating people who are not ill but may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The goal is to prevent the spread of the disease at the time when people just develop symptoms.

With the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading, there are chances that anyone could contract the virus.

However, rather than panic, one must be sure of what to do if he or she comes in contact with a COVID-19 patient.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), here is what you should do if you come in close contact with a COVID-19 patient.

First, you must acknowledge that if you have been in close contact with someone who has had COVID-19, then you may be infected.

With this established, you must now seek medical help

When you attend the health facility, wear a mask if possible, keep at least one metre distance from other people and do not touch surfaces with your hands.

If it is a child who is sick, help the child using the same advice of wearing masks, keeping a distance and avoiding touching surfaces and face.

If you do not live in an area with malaria, it is advised that you:

– Self-isolate if you become ill with mild symptoms

– Stay self-isolated even if you don’t think you have been exposed to COVID-19 but develop symptoms, monitor yourself.

– If you do not have symptoms but have been exposed to an infected person, self-quarantine for 14days.

For those who have had a definite confirmation of COVID-19, self-isolate for 14days even after symptoms have disappeared as a precautionary measure.

It is not yet known exactly how long people remain infectious after they have recovered.

N/B: Close contact means that you live with or have been in settings of less than one metre from those who have the virus.

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