Coronavirus symptoms and prevention: What you need to know

April 3, 2020

By Kim Komando

As a previously unknown illness, there’s a great deal we still need to learn about COVID-19. The long-term effects of the disease have yet to be studied and symptoms in infected patients can vary wildly from person to person.

That’s why the United States government and other nations have taken the approach of prevention, containment and slowing the spread. If fewer people acquire the disease, more lives can be saved. Tap or click here to see 3 surefire ways to prevent coronavirus infection.

If you suddenly start feeling under the weather, how do you know for sure whether it’s COVID-19 or just another seasonal bug? There are several telltale signs to look for and this must-see video clip from The Kim Komando Show will reveal some of the most common clinical symptoms.

Watch and share this video with your loved ones

Between conflicting media accounts and users on social media self-reporting their symptoms, it can be difficult to tell what COVID-19 really does to your body. What’s more, bad actors and trolls regularly exaggerate the death toll and origins of the disease. Tap or click here to fact-check some of the most common coronavirus myths.

If you suspect you might have COVID-19, don’t go hunting around on Twitter for advice. That will only make your anxiety worse. Instead, check out this clip from The Kim Komando Show that explains the real symptoms.

https://youtu.be/7rtJhIi2Gn8

Here’s what a majority of COVID-19 patients report about their condition:

Cold symptoms? Flu symptoms?

• The most common COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
• Some patients describe losing their senses of taste and smell before the infection kicks into full gear.
• If you are sneezing, have a runny nose, itchy throat, eyes and ears, you probably have an allergy or a cold.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms and they’re severe, call your doctor.

Protect yourself

• Disinfect and wipe down frequently touched places like doorknobs, countertops and light switches. Tap or click here for the products proven to kill COVID-19 germs.
• If you do not have disinfecting wipes, use a solution of at least 65% alcohol, or one part bleach and five parts water, with dry paper towels to clean surfaces.

Kill the disease

• Even if you’re self-isolating, wash your hands frequently. This will help prevent germs from spreading to others.
• Wash with warm soapy water for 20 seconds and, if you can’t wash, use hand sanitizer and rub into your hands until it’s gone.

Now that you know what to look for, make sure to share this article with your friends and loved ones. That way, we can keep space in the hospital open for those who actually need it. Struggling to stay in touch with everyone? Tap or click for ways to host virtual get-togethers.