Darrick Robles Atchoo! The nose is running, the throat is itchy and the temperature is slightly elevated. Is this the corona virus or just a cold? Or is it a pollen allergy? Or maybe asthma? Even if the symptoms are similar, there are some clear differences between these 4 diseases.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Fever: Often Cough: Often, rather dry, with shortness of breath Sore throat: Sometimes Sneezing: Does not occur Runny nose: Rarely Headache: Sometimes Body aches: Sometimes Tiredness: Sometimes
The symptoms are not clear: the individual symptoms can appear in different sequences, combinations and intensity. In addition, COVID-19 can cause stomach problems such as nausea and diarrhea.
Duration of disease: With mild symptoms, the disease is estimated to be over after about 2 weeks. More severe courses of the disease can also last 3 to 6 weeks.
Do you suddenly feel a lot worse or have trouble breathing at rest? Seek help immediately! In an emergency dial 112.
colds
Colds are infections that occur in the throat, nose or throat. They are most often caused by viruses, but sometimes by bacteria.
Fever: Rarely, if then mild Cough: Mild Sore throat: Frequently Sneezing: Frequently Runny nose: Frequently, often blocked or runny nose Headache: Sometimes Body aches: Frequently Tiredness: Sometimes
Duration of illness: A cold usually goes away on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the cough can last 2 to 4 weeks longer.
Pollen allergy/hay fever
In the case of a pollen allergy, the immune system reacts more strongly to the pollen in the air. The upper respiratory tract is usually affected. Pollen allergy can cause or worsen asthma.
Fever: Does not occur Cough: Sometimes Sore throat: Sometimes Sneezing: Often Runny nose: Often Headache: Sometimes Body aches: Rarely Tiredness: Often, sometimes associated with sleep disturbances
In addition, there are often complaints about the eyes: they are red, itchy or teary.
Duration of illness: Symptoms caused by pollen can last for several weeks and reappear every year.
Asthma
Allergic asthma occurs mainly in children but can also occur in adults. In contrast to pollen allergies, the lower respiratory tract is often affected.
Fever: Sometimes, rather mild Cough: Often, especially at night and with exertion Sore throat: Sometimes Sneezing: Often Runny nose: Often Headache: Sometimes Body aches: Does not occur Fatigue: Often, also insomnia
Whistling noises when exhaling and an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections are also typical of asthma. Acute asthma attacks can also lead to shortness of breath, great restlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest and bluish lips and fingernails.
Duration of the disease: The disease progresses in phases that can last from a few days to several weeks. Asthma can always reoccur if you come into contact with something that you cannot tolerate, e.g. B. with mites or fur animals.
Fast help with symptom chaos
Are you still unsure? No problem: With Med-Healths you can speak to a doctor within a few minutes, who will medically classify and interpret your symptoms. This is how you create the best conditions for you to feel better again quickly. Of course, our doctors can also prescribe the right prescription for you.
