This generation has not experienced anything quite as devastating as the coronavirus pandemic. The virus has struck over 3.8 million people, and the death toll is hovering around 250,000. With a vaccine still months away, the virus is raging on, and there's no clear end in sight as of yet.
No one is immune to the virus. That's why health authorities keep trumpeting the need to use hand sanitizers, observe social distancing, and wear face masks. But one question lingers on the minds of many: “What should I do if I get infected?”
Know the Signs
First of all, you need to know the signs and symptoms of the virus; otherwise, you may become like the boy who cried “wolf.” According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these are the signs of infection:
Common symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
Other symptoms include:
- Aches and pains
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
Once you notice these signs, contact the nearest medical facility or any hotline provided by your local authorities.
Isolate Yourself
Go into isolation mode. Even if you are with your family, find an isolated room, and stay there with minimal contact. According to the CDC, most COVID-19 patients have mild illnesses and can remain at home while recovering. If you have an already existing medical condition that could worsen through Covid-19, let your medics know immediately.
Don't go out or take any public transport. If you do, you'd be exposing others to the virus. With the internet, you can still communicate and conduct business to a large extent.
Contact the Nearest Hospital
As soon as the symptoms begin to emerge, call your physician, or alert any medical facility. Give them a brief of your symptoms and your suspicion. Do not visit a doctor or a hospital outright without calling ahead.
If you begin to experience the following symptoms, you may be in an emergency. Call your medical personnel immediately.
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- New confusion
- Blue lips or face
Try to Remember Where You Contracted It
Once officials confirm that you have the virus, they would institute contact tracing. The team would contact all the people you have had physical contact with to test them.
In such scenarios, information about where and how you contracted the virus comes in handy. You may need to check your diary or an app like Google Maps to retrace your steps.
Find Out If You're Due Compensation
Aside from helping in contract tracing, details about where you possibly got the virus would help you access any due compensation. For instance, if you're infected at your workplace or during a work-related trip, your chances of receiving payment are high.
There are other situations where it's not too clear whether a settlement would be appropriate. Case-in-point, the people on the Diamond Princess Cruise ship who were infected with Covid-19 while on a cruise ship. There's a growing debate on whether they should sue the operators of the cruise ship. The courts would consider several factors before making a decision. In such cases, it is prudent to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
The novel coronavirus is breezing through the world, leaving thousands dead in its wake. With no end in sight, the precautionary measures outlined by the WHO remain the critical weapons against this raging virus. While no one expects to contract it, we should always stay one step ahead. Know the next course of action just in case you or someone close gets infected.
Disclaimer: Content from the ConsciousLifeNews.com website and blog is not intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general consumer understanding and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As health and nutrition research continuously evolves, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information presented on this website.
