To limit the number of corona tests, only people with symptoms are tested. But what exactly are those symptoms?
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In the first place, it is important to know that the symptoms often resemble those of a cold or the flu, but that it is not possible to determine whether you ‘only’ have a cold or an infection with the coronavirus. . It is up to the doctor to determine whether a test is necessary. So consult your doctor, said virologist Steven Van Gucht last week at a press conference of the crisis center.
Moreover, he had a clear warning for those in doubt: “At the moment there is no flu virus circulating in our country, and few other viruses. The chance that your symptoms are due to the coronavirus is therefore real. ”
The crisis center distinguishes between two kinds of symptoms: some are so typical of corona that you should immediately consult a doctor, others are ‘less specific’ so that the advice is that you go to the doctor for two of these complaints.
With some symptoms, the chances of corona being present are so high that anyone has one of these typical complaints shows ‘should immediately think of covid’ and immediately notify the doctor. It’s about:
- Sudden loss of smell and taste. ‘That is very typical, but it does not always happen,’ says Van Gucht. ‘It is often one of the first complaints that people develop: for example, that you get up in the morning and the coffee doesn’t smell. These complaints are more common in young people ”.
- A rapidly occurring, dry cough is also sufficient as an alarm bell.
- Shortness of breath and sudden chest pain are also strong indicators of infection.
In front of ‘less specific complaints‘you must have two before there is enough reason to see the doctor. They are often also the ‘typical flu symptoms’
- “Fever, for example, can indicate covid-19, but it also occurs in many other conditions.”
- a sudden onset of muscle pain
- severe fatigue
- lack of appetite
- headache
- diarrhea
- sore throat
- a brat nose
If someone ‘only’ has a snot nose or sore throat, according to Van Gucht it is ‘unlikely’ that it is corona. “A snot on its own is usually not a sign of covid.” With two or more complaints, for example a snot nose and a sore throat, there is “reason to be concerned”. “Stay at home and see a doctor to request a test.”
In front of some population groups there are still specific characteristics, says Van Gucht.
- In the elderly, ‘sudden confusion’ or ‘a sudden fall’ can also indicate infection with the virus.
- In people with lung disease, existing symptoms may worsen.
- The same can happen in those with chronic asthma or a chronic cough.
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