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Is sneezing a sign of COVID-19
Before the COVID-19 pandemic we knew that covering coughs, sneezes and sore throats was crucial to prevent germs from spreading. Although sneezing or coughing is not usually a sign of a serious illness they can indicate the flu and COVID-19. You can protect yourself and others by using proper coughing, sneezing, and hygiene.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serious respiratory diseases like whooping cough, RSV, whooping cold, and SARS can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and unclean hands. This includes touching your face after touching contaminated items or touching objects after contaminating them. The CDC recommends the following:
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue
- You can cough or sneeze in your upper sleeves if you don’t have a tissue.
- If you feel the need to cough or sneeze, get away from people.
- Place your tissue in a trashbasket
Wash your hands immediately after you have sneezed or coughed. You can also use an alcohol-based hand soap that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Regular hand washing can help prevent viruses from spreading.
Person to Person Germ Spread
According to the CDC, both coronavirus and flu spread mainly via person-to-person contact. This is most common when the infected person shows the most symptoms. However, it’s possible for the virus to spread even before the infected person experiences symptoms.
These diseases spread from one person to another through the inhalation of respiratory droplets. They enter the air when someone with the illness coughs or sneezes. These droplets can then be transmitted to others via the nose or mouth once they are airborne. As we attempt to control viruses, it is important to practice proper coughing and sneezing.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of COVID-19?
If you have been vaccinated, you may notice a greater amount of sneezing. This is a sign that COVID-19 has not yet been diagnosed in others. Symptoms for any variant of coronavirus are similar, but they can vary depending on the individual.
The most common symptoms are
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
Other symptoms:
- Aches and Pains
- Conjunctivitis
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Perceptions of taste and smell may be lost
- Rosah, discoloration of fingers and toes or rash on the skin
- Sore throat
Severe symptoms:
- Pressure or pain in the chest
- Breathing difficulties or shortness of breathing
- Loss of speech and movement
Milder symptoms for those who have been vaccinated:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
These symptoms usually appear between 2-14 days and can last for a few days up to several weeks.
Seasonal Allergies, or COVID-19
Many people feel new symptoms as the weather changes. Good news is that most symptoms of both conditions are not related. Learn more about the differences in allergy symptoms and coronavirus signs here.
Tips to Help Others Protect from COVID-19
These tips will help you protect yourself and others by practicing safe coughing and sneezing when you are ill.
- Avoid touching, kissing, or shaking hands.
- Common surfaces such as doorsknobs, TV remotes, and countertops should be cleaned.
- Your primary care physician can give you the seasonal flu vaccine.
- If you aren’t feeling well, stay at home
