What Happens if You Have COVID-19: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

When I got it, I had no idea!

I was being tested with a large group, and I was surprised by the results. I spent the next ten days quarantined without any real symptoms, save for a sneeze now and then. However, a friend of mine, standing right behind me, tested negative but got so sick a few days later that he spent ten days in the hospital. COVID is a very tricky illness which is why it is so important to be tested! It is not uncomfortable, takes only moments, and could save your life!

Viruses and Symptomatology

The emergence of viruses is a complex subject, and we are not entirely sure whether they are artifacts or causes of sickness. Nevertheless, we do know that viruses cause atherosclerosis. This highlights the importance of following local health guidelines to stay safe.

Local Health Rules and Guidelines

Follow your local health rules, as there are 1300 chief health officers who have a variety of rules. Here are generic guidelines to consider:

Do the right thing and do not die: The safest thing to do is go home to your mother or grandmother and have soup and bread in bed with a hot water bottle. Keep it to yourself: This prevents the spread of the virus and protects those around you. Keep away from hospitals, drugs/diseases, and hygiene and sick people: This helps reduce the risk of infection and promotes a cleaner environment. Get fresh food delivered and play computer games/devices: This keeps you entertained and ensures you have access to essential nutrients without leaving home.

Personal Experience with COVID-19

I am Steve, and I had COVID. For me, it was ‘minor symptoms’: a bad sinus infection and a bad sore throat. I lost my sense of taste and smell for four months. My wife never got it. But this experience does not mean that it's 'small taters.' We all know it's killing folks right and left.

My wife and I are fully vaccinated. About a month ago, we both got really sick for about two weeks. Our doctors told us to 'get a COVID test' and we were both negative. It seems like this COVID issue is so popular that we've almost forgotten about these 'flu viruses' until they show up and 'clean your clock' like the flu we got a month ago did.

After Testing Positive for COVID-19

After testing positive for the COVID-19 novel virus, your physician will assess your vitals to determine whether you need to be hospitalized. In most cases, patients are able to recover at home. During this time, both at home and at the hospital, many of your vitals will be closely monitored to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to prevent worsening of your condition.

Vitals to Monitor

Temperature: Normal is 99.5°F (37.5°C), any higher indicates a fever. SPO2 Levels/Oxygen Saturation Levels: Check hands for warmth. Remove nail polish before checking SPO2. 6-minute walk test: Walk for 6 minutes and check saturation. A drop of 5 during walking or after the 6-minute walk is significant. Pulse Rate: Normal is 60-100 bpm. Blood Pressure: Normal is 120/80 mmHg.

Treatment and Symptom Management

If you are advised to continue healing at home, medications will be prescribed to relieve symptoms such as a dry cough, diarrhea, and fever. Vitamin D and Zinc supplements may also be recommended. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be prescribed steroids such as Prednisolone. In cases of secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics like Azithromycin and Doxycycline will be given.

While on treatment, it is essential to increase fluid intake to stay hydrated and to help the medications work effectively. It is also crucial to follow your doctor's advice and not discontinue treatment without medical consultation.