The coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to incite panic for a number of reasons: a highly contagious disease that spreads through the population and keeps evolving. The world has seen and suffered multiple mutations as of now. However, a few precautionary measures like social distancing, sanitizing, putting on masks, and enhancing immunity can help fend off this global pandemic.
The infectious disease, COVID-19, belongs to a group of viruses that have been known to cause respiratory illnesses like the common cold, acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as well as the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The coronavirus works by entering your body through air droplets and infecting healthy cells by latching on them through its spiky surface proteins. It is easy to catch the virus if an infected person has coughed, sneezed, or breathed near you or a place that you are passing through. The virus stays in the air or accumulates on surfaces. So, if you breathe the same air or come into contact with infected surfaces, then the chances of the virus infecting your body are high.
Symptoms of the coronavirus typically do not show up immediately, and it takes about two to 14 days for them to appear. The most common symptom of the coronavirus is difficulty in breathing. The virus causes the lungs to be inflamed which can further lead to pneumonia. Depending on your immune response system, your symptoms may appear in the form of:
• Fever
• Cough or sore throat
• Trouble breathing
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Congested nose
• Loss of taste and smell
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
It is important to note that symptoms can differ from person to person and some people may even be asymptomatic, which means that they show no symptoms at all but do carry the virus. People who are asymptomatic also have a likely chance of infecting more people and spreading the virus since they are not aware of their own condition.
Symptoms of the coronavirus can look a lot like other viral infections which is why it is important to get a COVID-19 PCR Test done as soon as you begin to experience any symptoms or have come into contact with someone who had COVID-19. PCR testing for COVID-19 is available at American Hospital Dubai and you can come in for a walk-in PCR test at any of our branches.
Covid-patients with no existing health conditions are prescribed pain relievers as well as immunity-boosting supplements. They are advised to stay at home and rest. At-home treatments include high fluid intake in the form of juices, soups, and stock along with a diet rich in calcium, fats, and proteins to build and boost immunity and relieve symptoms.
It is important to also look for any signs of emergency if your symptoms begin to worsen. Doctors may tell patients to use a home pulse oximeter to measure how much oxygen is in your blood. Medical attention becomes necessary if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, bluish lips, and are unable to stay awake.
At American Hospital Dubai, we have an advanced 24/7 Emergency Care facility dedicated to critical Covid-19 patients. The facility is equipped with the latest technology for monitoring and treating the illness with a help of highly trained staff and healthcare professionals.
Though it usually takes around two weeks to recover from the virus, those with severe symptoms may experience a longer recovery time after diagnosis. People with existing medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and many others are also at a bigger risk of severe illness since the virus can aggravate their conditions.
If you have gone through the recovery period for the coronavirus, it is important to take the following post-Covid tests to better monitor your health so that any additional concerns can be avoided:
• igG antibody tests
• CBC Test
• Neuro-function examination
• Cardiac screening
Our experienced medical specialists at American Hospital have been working tirelessly to effectively stop the spread of Covid in Dubai. With the vaccine readily available in most places, it is important for every person to get vaccinated as this will weaken their symptoms even if they do catch the virus and help reduce Covid in the UAE.
