Have COVID-related symptoms? Here’s what you need to know
According to the Union Health Ministry, India recorded 1,225 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours as on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The latest update suggests a considerable drop in COVID-19 deaths, with 28 cases reported in the last 24 hours.
In light of the significant decline in the number of coronavirus cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier announced that all COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted from March 31, with an exception to wearing face masks and maintaining social distance. The Disaster Management Act (DM Act) that was issued in March, 2020 in order to curb the spread of the SARs-CoV-2 virus "will no longer be invoked for Covid-safety measures. However, masks will still have to be worn in public places," the statement by the MHA read.
However, given the uptick in cases in certain parts of Asia and Europe, there's no way we can tell what's in store for India in the near future. Although restrictions have eased and people have begun resuming their normal routines, it is important to be vigilant. That said, if you're someone who has cold-like, mild symptoms, here are some steps you must take to protect yourself and others around you.
Avoid assuming your cold symptoms are harmless, monitor them
Mild illnesses are easy to manage. But you can never take symptoms that resemble COVID-19 lightly. As far as the Omicron variant of coronavirus is concerned, experts believe it causes cold-like symptoms that people usually confuse with a common cold, the flu or a seasonal allergy. Symptoms like fever, persistent cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body pain and gastrointestinal problems are common ailments associated with the disease. If you develop these symptoms, make sure you monitor them closely. While it may feel mild and manageable, doctors have warned against long COVID complications even with mild Omicron infection.
Self-isolate, even if you think you don't have COVID
COVID-19 symptoms can be tricky, especially when you're infected with the Omicron variant. The symptoms may convince you to believe that you do not have COVID, but it is always favourable to take necessary precautions.
In light of cold-like symptoms, make sure you self-isolate for at least until the symptoms persist. Do not make contact with other people.
What is important to understand is that even if you are not infected with the SARs-CoV-2 virus and are suffering from another respiratory illness, you may still spread the virus to people who are vulnerable and may develop severe illness.
Get tested if you aren't sure
The best way to find out what you're suffering from is by getting yourself tested immediately. You can either resort to a rapid antigen test, which will give you prompt results, or an RT PCR test that will take some time to provide the results, but is more accurate.
Also read: Coronavirus: If you notice this after using home COVID test kits, call for emergency
Do not attend gatherings or house parties
As long as your symptoms persist and you continue to feel under the weather, do not attend parties or gatherings. Stay home, stay isolated and focus on recovering. Irrespective of whether you have COVID or the flu or a common cold, you're likely to transmit it to others who come in close contact with you.
Stay away from the most vulnerable
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is often more severe in people above 60 or those with pre-existing health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.
That said, even if you have a mild infection, it is important that you maintain your distance from people who fall under the high risk category. One can never tell how the SARs-CoV-2 virus may affect different individuals.
Follow COVID-appropriate measures, even if not mandatory
It is imperative that you wear your masks, maintain distance from others and also follow proper hand hygiene. Vaccination is currently the most important step to tackle the COVID-19 crisis and those eligible for the booster shots must get it immediately.