Symptoms of infection with coronavirus

Coronavirus has developed so rapidly that it can take people by surprise, but people who travel to work are at greater risk. Workers are exposed to more people on their commute and in the office, resulting in a greater chance of infection. If you are an office worker, don't panic too much. The following information about symptoms of coronavirus infection can help you a lot.

1. Incubation period

The incubation period of COVID-19 is relatively long, ranging from 2 to 14 days, with an average of 7 days. During this period, a nucleic acid test can be performed to determine whether a patient has the virus. Highly suspicious patients can have a nucleic acid test twice, at least 1 day apart.

2. Fatigue

Muscle weakness is one of the first physical symptoms of coronavirus, but also the most easily ignored by people. For most people, work and life in general already consumes large amounts of energy and strength. Under normal circumstances, a good night's sleep can rejuvenate the body, but if fatigue proceeds even after days of rest, it's timely to go to the hospital for a comprehensive examination.

3. Dry cough

The most common place where the new coronavirus causes damage is in the lungs. Infection of the lungs is commonly known as pneumonia. The most common symptoms of pneumonia are fever and cough; however, different from ordinary pneumonia, the cough that the coronavirus brings is dry (refers to a cough without phlegm).

4. Gastrointestinal reactions

Symptoms of the coronavirus typically do not extend past the respiratory system, but some patients have developed diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. During the outbreak, symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting can occur without catching a cold.

5. Difficulty breathing

The most common symptom of the coronavirus occurs in the lungs. Infected lungs lead to difficulty breathing to a certain degree.

The symptoms of the coronavirus can be easily confused with the common cold, so it is important to be vigilant when the symptoms are mild, as not to allow the virus to further damage the body.

6. Have a fever

Fever is the most obvious indication of a health problem. As the body tries to fight off an infection, the body's natural response is to elevate body temperature. Clinical statistics found that almost 90% of coronavirus cases have a fever. Under normal circumstances and with the right treatment, people usually recover from fevers in two days. Be sure to go to the hospital in time for professional testing if you're worried your fever may be a result of COVID-19 infection.

What to do if you have any of the symptoms above:

The main symptoms of coronavirus infection are fever, fatigue, and dry cough. Some patients developed mild symptoms, but no fever. Most patients experience mild to moderate symptoms with a good prognosis. But these symptoms do not guarantee infection.

Seek medical treatment if (1) fever (body temperature ≥37.3℃), cough, shortness of breath and other acute respiratory tract infection symptoms develop; or (2) you may have been exposed to the virus through an infected individual or been to a "hot spot" for the virus.

If you go to the hospital, patients and accompanying family members should always wear surgical masks or N95 masks. If you can, avoid taking public transport and always keep a distance between people (at least 1 meter).

Keeping the facts about coronavirus in mind can help. Please visit the CDC’s official website for more information.