Illness is part of life, with over one billion cases of the common cold in the United States annually. It’s easy to write off your illness as a common cold, but monitoring your symptoms could indicate that you suffer from something more severe.
Knowing the signs to look for could help you separate cold symptoms from illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu. The challenge is separating those symptoms that overlap with significant respiratory infections when feeling sick.
The good news is that you’ve discovered this illuminating guide to the signs to look for when determining if you should schedule COVID testing. Continue reading to prioritize your health and wellness today!
High Fever
A high fever is a clear sign that you’re suffering from an illness beyond a common cold. If you’re suffering from a fever higher than 101 degrees, it’s beneficial to consider getting tested. Another worrisome sign is a high fever that lasts multiple days.
An extensive fever could indicate other severe medical ailments that could negatively affect your health and well-being. It’s often a sign of infection in the body. Seeking treatment is the best path to ensure you have your health for years to come.
Body and Muscle Aches
Extensive body and muscle aches also indicate that your common cold is a more severe illness. The flu and COVID-19 are viral infections that cause inflammation in your body. The inflammation results in discomfort and pain in the body when moving or resting.
These illnesses will continue attacking your body, and your immune system will attack the virus to help you heal. If you’re feeling these muscle aches and pains, schedule a date and time for a COVID test.
Constant Headaches
Headaches are a standard indicator that your body is fighting the flu or COVID. It’s also a sign you’re battling a sinus infection. Monitor your head to determine if your symptoms are growing worse. A covid test is the best way to get answers and take necessary actions for your health.
Extreme Exhaustion
A sudden onset of extreme fatigue and exhaustion is a symptom of COVID-19 and influenza. It’s a symptom that often presents before any other symptoms.
The symptoms can become confusing, as fatigue is one of the standard cold symptoms. Still, monitor the development of other health issues to determine if you’re suffering from COVID-19.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is the last sign to look for that you’re battling something more than a common cold. Extensive coughing is associated with COVID-19, though you may also suffer from Bronchitis.
Determine if You Have the Common Cold Today
Getting sick is never a fun experience, but suffering from a common cold isn’t the end of the world. Monitoring your symptoms when feeling sick is vital to determine if you have something beyond the common cold.
Extreme fatigue and headaches are indicators you’re suffering from something more significant. Schedule a COVID test if your symptoms align with COVID symptoms.
Maintaining your health begins with understanding and protecting your body. Explore our Health guides for more tips to promote physical and mental health today!