The novel coronavirus just seemed like any other virus that will come and go unnoticed. On the contrary, it has brought the world to its knees in just a few months. Countless lives have been lost, and millions of people have been affected by the disease in one way or another.

The virus was first noticed in China and has spread like wildfire across the globe. Currently, the United States is the most affected country in the world.

Even though the pandemic has caused global panic, there is a high chance that you can ride the wave and hopefully come out unscathed if you follow proper practices.

However, even though you have contracted the disease, you can call and visit COVID-19 testing centers near you or even a 24-hour emergency clinic to get professional help.

COVID-19, Thus Far

As we know by now, the novel coronavirus disease is one of seven coronaviruses that have been discovered so far. The other common viruses in this family are SARS-CoV that caused (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS-CoV that caused (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

We have encountered the other less deadly types of the virus each year when people come to our 24-hour emergency clinic to get treated for the common cold. Coronavirus is the number two leading cause of the common cold after rhinovirus.

Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Ever since its emergence in 2019, we have noticed that the disease affects people differently. In most cases, people who get infected will show mild to moderate symptoms and tend to recover without hospitalization.

The symptoms may show up in two days or two weeks after being infected. Early COVID-19 symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Dry, persistent cough
• Tiredness

Less common symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Conjunctivitis
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Aches and pains
• A rash on your skin
• Discoloration of toes or fingers

Severe symptoms are:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of movement or speech

If you experience severe symptoms, call our doctor or the facility to get immediate help. If you experience milder symptoms, try and manage the symptoms at home.

How Does COVID-19 Spread?

Thus far, the evidence suggests that the coronavirus disease 2019 is primarily spread through direct contact or close contact with infected persons. This happens when the infected person releases the virus through mouth and nose secretions when they cough, sneeze, sing or speak.

If you are within one meter when they release these secretions, then you inhale them, you can get infected.

It can also spread through indirect contact. When infected persons release the droplets through coughing or sneezing, they may leave the droplets on surfaces such as doorknobs and tables. If you touch these objects and accidentally touch your face or nose or mouth before sanitizing or washing your hands, then you might get infected.

Hence, the reason for cleaning your hands and surfaces because this kills the virus.

Diagnosis and Testing

Two types of tests are available in our COVID-19 testing centers near you:

• A viral test. This test ascertains whether you are currently infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Our healthcare professionals will take the fluid from your throat or nose, and then the DNA is analyzed in the lab.
• Antibody test. This type of test is done to see if you have been infected and recovered from COVID-19. The test is done to verify if your body produced enough antibodies to fight off the disease. It cannot be used to check if you are currently infected with COVID-19.

Treatments for COVID-19

There isn’t a cure developed for the disease yet; neither is there a clear cut treatment for COVID-19 that has been approved and proven to work across the board. However, certain treatments for COVID-19 have been used to treat the symptoms and have saved countless lives.

Some of the therapies that are employed by our healthcare professionals are:

• Breathing support such as ventilators
• Blood plasma transfusions
• Steroids to reduce lung swelling
• Retroviral and antiviral medications
• Cough medication
• Pain relievers
• Fluid intake
• Rest

Average Recovery Time for the COVID-19 Disease

Current data has shown that the recovery will vary from person to person, because of other factors such as age and overall health. However, on average, if you suffer from a mild illness, it could take up to two weeks or six weeks for your body to bounce back in severe cases.

If you follow the set regulations, then there is a higher chance that you might not contract the disease. However, if you do, don’t panic, call our doctor or health care professionals at Express ER, and they will help you through the process.