The coronavirus has not yet revealed all its secrets and the list of symptoms is growing, sometimes leaving patients cautious, in particular because some signs are similar to those of mild infections, such as viral bronchitis. As scientists progress in the apprehension of the virus, Europe 1 will enlighten you on what we know about its symptoms and characteristics. If the answer to any of your questions is not found in this article, do not hesitate to write us on the Europe 1 Twitter account #RadioOuverte or call us at 3921!
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How do I know if my symptoms are those of coronavirus?
Fever, cough, body aches ... The list of the most frequent symptoms is known but in certain cases, it can reveal another infection. How to make the difference ? To see more clearly, your attending physician remains your best contact, if possible via teleconsultation. It is also possible for you to "test" your symptoms online, thanks to a detailed questionnaire, developed by a Sarthois doctor. In case of severe symptoms, it obviously does not exempt you from consulting or calling 15. Find all the details here.
How to differentiate the flu from the coronavirus?
We must remain cautious for the moment, as the data available on the characteristics of the coronavirus are patchy. The differences established do not concern the symptoms, but the rate of contagion - experts estimate that each Covid-19 patient contaminates on average two to three people if no measures are implemented - or the treatments - there is a flu shot, not coronavirus. Find all the details here.
I have conjunctivitis, is this a symptom?
Ophthalmologists indeed report cases of conjunctivitis associated with coronavirus ... But the clinical picture normally presents other symptoms, such as cough or fever, characteristic of this respiratory infection. In summary, if you only have conjunctivitis, there is little risk that it is a manifestation of the virus. If it is associated with other pain or manifestations of the infection, it is better to seek medical advice. Find all the details here.
I lost taste and smell, is this a symptom?
Yes. Otolaryngologists (ENT), doctors specializing in diseases related to the areas of the ear, nose and throat, have warned of the resurgence of cases of anosmia, that is to say the disappearance of smell without stuffy nose, which can be doubled with ageusia, the disappearance of taste. But these symptoms are also present in patients with influenza ... Again, medical consultation is therefore indicated, to establish a complete clinical picture. Find all the details here.
Sick for five days, my symptoms are getting worse. Is it the coronavirus?
This is indeed one of the characteristics of the coronavirus, especially in people without other health problems: after about five - or six - days of very slight manifestation of the virus, for example by a simple cold, the immune system tires and symptoms may worsen, especially on the respiratory side. This represents a minority of the cases. But if you are in this situation, it is better to consult. Find all the details here.
Can I be less vigilant if I have blood type "O"?
According to a Chinese study, patients of this blood group are less at risk of developing coronavirus than others. Doctors who treated SARS infection in the early 2000s say they observed the same trend. However, that does not mean immunity: if symptoms that may indicate a severe form of the coronavirus appear in you, you should see a doctor, regardless of your blood type. Find all the details here.
I already had coronavirus, am I immune?
If you have already been diagnosed positive and have recovered, you are not at risk of developing the virus again ... in the short term. The members of the scientific council which advises Emmanuel Macron however seek to measure the risk of catching the virus a second time later, which for the moment is not excluded. In all cases, if several new symptoms appear in you, the advice is always the same: seek medical advice. Find all the details here.