COVID-19 is re-appearing as fall approaches and children go back to school.
The respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be very contagious and spread quickly, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Nearly 1.2 million people have died from COVID in the U.S as of June 1, 2024.
COVID is rising again:How effective was the vaccine? How severe is this strain?
Here’s what you need to know:
What are 2024 COVID symptoms?
Covid symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, and may start mild, according to the CDC. Some people will suffer severe illness. The CDC’s list does not include all possible COVID symptoms, as symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. Possible symptoms include:
- Congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
What is the difference between COVID-19 and flu?
Both are contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses, according to the CDC. A coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, while an influenza viruses is the source of flu.
Flu and COVID-19 have some of the same symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two illnesses. Some tests, such as PCR tests, can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time.Roche plans to have a test on the market soon that can distinguish between COVID, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 20 minutes. The test will be available in doctors’ offices.
How long is COVID contagious? What are the guidelines?
The CDC recommends using caution for five after you begin feeling better, and recommends you wait to return to normal activities at least 24 hours after your symptoms subsided and you no longer have a fever. As you may still be able to spread the virus that made you ill, even if you are feeling better, health officials also recommend wearing a mask around others for the next five days.
Do current COVID-19 variants like FLiRT cause different symptoms?
There’s no evidence that new COVID variants cause any different types of symptoms than the previous COVID variants or the original version of the virus, according to the CDC. However, symptoms may differ if it is a person’s first infection or a re-infection.
Do current COVID-19 variants cause more severe symptoms and infection?
The CDC states that current COVID-19 variants have not been shown to cause more severe disease than other variants or the original variants.
What is long COVID?
The CDC describes long COVID as a wide range of ongoing symptoms and conditions that can last weeks, months or even years after COVID-19 illness. Anyone who has had the SARS-CoV-2 infection − including children − can suffer from long COVID.
What are 2024 long COVID symptoms?
More than 200 long COVID symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM) have been identified, according to the CDC. Symptoms can be difficult to recognize or diagnose, may require comprehensive care and could result in disability. Here are some long COVID symptoms:
General long COVID symptoms
- Fatigue or tiredness that interferes with daily life
- Fever
- Symptoms that get worse after mental or physical effort
Respiratory and heart long COVID symptoms
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
Neurological long COVID symptoms
- Anxiety or depression
- Change in smell or taste
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
- Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
- Headaches
- Pins-and-needles feelings
- Sleep problems
Digestive long COVID symptoms
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Other long COVID symptoms
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Joint or muscle pain
- Rash
How to find free COVID testing
Free COVID testing sites can be found at testinglocator.cdc.gov.
How to find free COVID vaccinations
Vaccine sites can be found at vaccines.gov, according to the CDC. vaccines.gov
How to treat COVID-19 at home
Mayo Clinic suggests these medications without prescriptions may help ease the symptoms of COVID at home:
- Cough syrup or medicine.
- Fever reducers.
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
When to seek emergency help for COVID treatment
The CDC suggests looking for these emergency warning signs of COVID-19:
- Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue.
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- New confusion
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Trouble breathing
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility if these signs are present. Inform the operator that you are seeking care for someone with COVID-19.
How to protect others from COVID-19
If you have contracted COVID, Mayo Clinic offers tips to keep others from catching the respiratory illness:
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Don’t share cups, towels or other items if possible.
- Get more airflow into your home.
- Stay home and apart from anyone you live with for as long as symptoms continue to worsen.
- Use a separate bathroom and bedroom if possible.
- Wash hands well and often using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a face mask if you must be around other people.
Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.