COVID-19: Symptoms, Treatment & What to Do If You Feel Sick

It's crucial to stay informed about the symptoms of COVID-19, what steps to take if you're feeling unwell, and the vital importance of wearing high-quality KN95 and N95 masks, especially during cold, flu, RSV and COVID season. Here at PPE Supply Canada, we’re dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect your health and the health of those around you. In this article, we’ll discuss COVID-19 symptoms, what to do if you're not feeling your best, and why using these masks is a critical part of responsible safety measures.

Recognizing COVID-19 Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms associated with COVID-19 is essential for safeguarding your health and the well-being of others. Here are some common indicators:

Elevated Body Temperature
A persistent fever is one of the primary signs of COVID-19. Your body's temperature may rise above normal levels, indicating a potential infection.

Coughing
A dry or productive cough can be a symptom of COVID-19. This is often persistent and can vary in severity.

Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing, even when at rest or engaging in minimal physical activity, is a cause for concern and may be a sign of COVID-19.

Fatigue
An overwhelming sense of tiredness or exhaustion can accompany a COVID-19 infection. It's important to distinguish this from everyday tiredness.

Muscle Aches and Pains
Muscle or body aches can be associated with COVID-19, similar to the aches experienced with common illnesses.

Headache
While various factors can cause headaches, they can also be a symptom of COVID-19.

Sore Throat
A sore throat is another symptom that may indicate the presence of the COVID-19 virus.

Loss of Taste or Smell
A sudden loss of taste or smell, known as anosmia, is a unique symptom of COVID-19. If you experience this, it's worth considering the possibility of infection.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Some individuals with COVID-19 may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or simply don't feel your usual self, here are the steps to follow:

Isolate Yourself
• Stay at home and limit your contact with others, even those within your household.
• If possible, use a separate bathroom, and ensure that high-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Get Tested
• COVID-19 testing is essential to confirm the presence of the virus and to aid in contact tracing efforts.
• If you feel your symptoms are light or that you’re in the beginning stages of an infection, the Lucira Health COVID-19 & Flu Test would be a great option, as it is an at-home molecular test that provides accuracy rates on par with PCR lab tests. It can pick up infections even at low viral loads or if the individual is not exhibiting strong symptoms.
• If you know you’re sick and want to rule out COVID-19, the BTNX Rapid Antigen Test is a good option for this. As the leading antigen test in the industry, the BTNX Rapid Antigen Test boasts and 98% accuracy rate and provides results in as little as 15 minutes.

Seek Medical Guidance
• Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and seek advice.
• Follow their recommendations on testing, treatment, and isolation.

Notify Close Contacts
• Inform individuals you've been in close contact with about your illness, as you may have exposed them to the virus, especially if they are an elderly person, a child or immunocompromised. Encourage them to get tested and self-isolate to prevent further spread.

Follow Isolation Guidelines
• Isolate yourself for at least the recommended duration from the onset of symptoms or the date of your positive test result.
• Only end isolation when you've been symptom-free for an appropriate duration.

SHOP LUCIRA HEALTH COVID-19 & FLU AT-HOME TEST

The Importance of Wearing High-Quality KN95 and N95 Masks

When you're not feeling well, the type of mask you wear matters greatly. High-quality KN95 and N95 masks play a crucial role in protecting yourself and those around you for the following reasons:

Effective Filtration
KN95 and N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses like COVID-19. This high level of filtration is crucial for your safety.

Our N95 and KN95 masks have been independently tested by a third-party testing facility in North America. Each and every one of our N95 and KN95 masks are equipped with a minimum filtration efficiency of 95%, making them a great option for reliable, everyday protection!

Respiratory Protection
KN95 and N95 masks are designed to provide a tight facial seal, ensuring that the air you breathe is filtered through the mask, reducing the risk of inhaling infectious particles. KN95 and N95 respirators are designed for respiratory protection, making them a superior option to ASTM Level 3 or other 3-ply masks when wanting to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and RSV.

Preventing Transmission
Wearing a high-quality KN95 or N95 mask also prevents respiratory droplets from escaping when you talk, cough, or sneeze, significantly reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Longer Usage Time
These masks can be worn for longer durations, making them a practical and efficient choice, especially if you’re wearing them daily or for entire shifts, etc. You can read more about how to reuse your KN95/N95 mask via our article here.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Understanding the symptoms of COVID-19, knowing what to do if you're not feeling well, and wearing high-quality KN95 and N95 masks are vital components of responsible safety measures. By taking these steps and using these masks, you protect yourself and those around you, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier environment for all.

For more information on high-quality PPE and how to use KN95 and N95 masks effectively, refer to trusted sources and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health authorities.

Stay informed, stay safe, and continue to prioritize the well-being of your community!

Sources: 

CDC - COVID-19 Overview
CDC - Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere

Please be aware that this article was not authored by a medical professional, and any information presented should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult the above resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information on COVID-19 and related topics.