Every other day, something new and surprising comes our way and makes us think what else 2020?. Similarly, as we’re not even done with this COVID-19 pandemic yet, there are other viruses hitting us now. The seasonal viruses such as typhoid have so much common with COVID-19 that it has got everyone thinking ‘do we have coronavirus too?’. We need to understand that there is a very thin line between the symptoms of typhoid and COVID-19 and if you are unaware, here’s a little piece of guidance for you.
COVID-19 VS Typhoid
COVID-19
This disease, which was initially defined as the illness that affects our respiratory system but as time passes, it has proven to not only be respiratory but cardiac too. This disease spreads through the respiratory droplets and also being in close contact with an affected person.
Typhoid
Whereas, typhoid is a disease that spreads through contaminated food, water or anything unhygienic. It starts developing after a week or two and can upset a person in multiple ways.
The Signs And Symptoms
COVID-19 Symptoms
Coronavirus symptoms are not usually seen in a day or two. They gradually develop and are identifiable after approximately 15 days. The symptoms are not experienced altogether instead, they are seen one by one at a time. Many people do not experience any symptoms at all.
- Fever (mostly persistent)
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Diarrhoea ( less common symptom)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Loss of taste and Smell (highly experienced in Pakistan)
Typhoid Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid are also not seen in the initial days of infection. They are likely to develop gradually and often appear one to three weeks after exposure to the disease.
- Fever that usually starts low and keeps on increasing daily. The typhoid fever is known to come back again and again and usually reaches as high as 104.9 F (40.5 C)
- Headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Rash and skin irritation
- Extremely swollen abdomen
What Can We Do?
In a case where you feel that you are experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19, you should contact a doctor immediately and go for a test. Many people can be asymptomatic and in that case, the doctor will recommend you to self-isolate at home. If you have symptoms and they are getting worse, you should immediately rush to the hospital.
Whereas in the case of typhoid, you should very closely monitor your symptoms. If you feel similarities with the symptoms mentioned above, do not panic and discuss with your doctor as soon as you can. Keep in mind that the fever which is coming back, again and again, can be typhoid, not COVID-19. Typhoid is now usually treated at home by the help of a healthcare professional, but in severe cases, the doctors keep you under observation in the hospital.
A Word From Marham
In this situation, the best thing you can do is to stay at home and do not panic. Talk to a doctor now, through Marham.pk. Call us at 03111222398 to book your online consultation with a doctor now.
Let’s Flatten The Curve By Being Responsible Citizens!