COVID-19, also known as the SARS-CoV Complex Virus, is caused by an influenza A virus named SARS-CoV. People who are over the age of 65 years old and individuals with underlying medical issues such as lung or heart disease seem to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The virus attacks the immune system causing inflammation and a high fever. Other symptoms of this respiratory infection include cough, fever, malaise, and loss of appetite. The virus is transmitted through coughing and sneezing. If you believe you may have contracted COVID-19 you should contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The symptoms of COVID-19 often resemble those of other viral infections and can appear months after exposure to the virus. Most symptoms are mild to moderate and can occur within one week of being exposed. Most patients exhibit no symptoms and do not become ill until they develop chronic respiratory conditions such as emphysema. The virus replicates quickly and spreads quickly in the lungs of those infected. Symptoms may vary from person to person but some of the common ones include fever, cough, and fever-like illnesses including chills, hot and cold spells.
If you are concerned that you may have contracted COVID-19 and require medical care, your doctor will test you for a wide variety of conditions. These tests include a blood test, chest x-ray, urine test, and a throat culture. You may also have to have a CT scan of your lungs, to determine if you have an infection or pneumonia. A bronchial aspiration and lung function test may also be performed to determine if you have pneumonia. Your doctor may recommend treatment for the condition depending on what tests have been performed and the results of the tests. Most people recover completely from this infection within a week, and since a vaccine is in development, things could be getting a lot better for the population.