Nadhim Zahawi says there are 4,000 coronavirus variants
The Oxford/AstraZeneca jab provides “minimal protection” against mild-moderate COVID-19 infection, suggests a new study. Experts have been quick to allay fears about the vaccine’s effectiveness against the new South Africa strain. The development is a warning against symptom complacency.
Recognising and responding to the symptoms of coronavirus is paramount to stemming the spread and reducing hospital admissions.
There are different categories of symptoms because the severity of COVID-19 can range from very mild to severe.
Some people may have only a few symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some people may experience worsened symptoms, such as worsened shortness of breath and pneumonia, about a week after symptoms start.
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Who is at risk of severe Covid?
“People who are older have a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and the risk increases with age,” says the Mayo Clinic.
According to the health body, people who have existing chronic medical conditions also may have a higher risk of serious illness.
Certain medical conditions that increase the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 include:
- Serious heart diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity or severe obesity
- Smoking
- Chronic kidney disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Weakened immune system from solid organ transplants
- Pregnancy.
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Other conditions may increase the risk of serious illness, such as:
- Asthma
- Liver disease
- Overweight
- Chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis
- Brain and nervous system conditions
- Weakened immune system from bone marrow transplant, HIV or some medications
- Type 1 diabetes
- High blood pressure.
What are the main symptoms of coronavirus?
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
“Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms,” explains the health body.
How to respond to symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.
A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can meet people from one other household.
How to treat symptoms at home
Most people with coronavirus (COVID-19) naturally feel better within a few weeks. However, You may be able to look after yourself at home while you recover.
“If you have a cough, it’s best to avoid lying on your back. Lie on your side or sit upright instead,” advises the NHS.
“If this does not help, you could contact a pharmacist for advice about cough treatments.”
If you have a high temperature, it can help to:
- Get lots of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.
There have been some news reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making coronavirus worse.
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