COVID-19 cases are rising in California and throughout all across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A new variant group known as FLiRT is among the most contagious strains that we’ve seen since the year 2020.
Greater protection, COVID-19 vaccines as well as tests and efficient treatments can keep people from being hospitalized. The The CDC also revealed data that shows that in covid symptoms 2024 decreased to be the 10th most fatal cause of death. It’s a decrease from the position it had in 2022 when it was ranked as the fourth-leading cause.
Yet, this rise in cases of COVID-19 is an excellent reminder to follow CDC guidelines to wash your hands and beware of people who are sick. If your body is sick, stay home to keep it from spreading to other people.
Here’s a reminder of the signs of COVID and how to conduct an in-home check If you begin to feel sick.
Do you know if there will be any new COVID-19-related symptoms coming up in 2024?
However, the symptoms of COVID are identical, even with new variants such as FLiRT. Look to identify these COVID signs:
- Freaks or chills
- cough
- breathlessness or trouble breathing
- fatigue
- Aches or muscle pains in the body
- headache
- new loss of smell or taste
- sore throat
- runny nose or congestion
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
These symptoms could be an indication of COVID-19 illness, but they can also mean that you have another illness. Consult your primary healthcare provider for any questions or suspect that you came into contact with someone who was suffering from COVID-19. You may also conduct tests in-home test for COVID-19 to find out whether you are infected.
How long will the symptoms of COVID last?
COVID-19 symptoms manifest around 2-14 days following exposure to the disease per the CDC.
People who are positive for COVID-19 generally experience symptoms for several weeks. Individuals with long-term COVID-19 (also called long-haulers) may experience chronic symptoms that last for up to four weeks following the infection.
Children may also suffer from COVID that is long. Research has revealed approximately 6.8 million American children could be suffering from COVID that is long.
Related: The New COVID-19 XEC Variant Explained: Symptoms, Spread ,Winter, Approaches
What are the symptoms severe of COVID-19?
COVID symptoms that are deemed more severe, as per the CDC include:
- Trouble breathing
- the chest. It is a constant source of pain or pressure. the chest
- New confusion
- inability to get up or remain awake
- light, gray, or blue-colored skin lips or nail beds depending on the skin tone
This isn’t an exhaustive list of the severe symptoms. If you notice COVID-related symptoms that concern you the health of your doctor.
What are the most common COVID symptoms?
The symptoms of those suffering from COVID that is long may differ. For some COVID may last up to 12 weeks from the time symptoms first started to appear. Here’s a list of the most frequently reported symptoms of long COVID symptoms:
- Shortness of difficulty breathing breath
- Cough
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Chest pain
- Muscle or joint discomfort
- Fast-beating heart (heart palpitations)
- The symptoms get worse following physical or mental activity
- Pins-and-needles feeling
- Diarrhea
- Changes in taste and smell
- Fever
- Unsteadiness when standing up
- Trouble sleeping
- Rash
- Changes in mood
- Headache
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Brain fog
- Depression and anxiety
How can I utilize COVID tests at home?
If you are taking a COVID test at home also known as a quick test, you must review the instructions of the maker. A majority of testing companies operate in the same way.
After 15 minutes of taking the test, you’ll get either a C or a T. A line that is under the C signifies that the test is running. If you don’t see a line beneath the C then you’ll be required to repeat the test. If the test passed and there is no line beneath the T indicates that your test was negative for COVID-19. If a line is visible below the T, this means that the tests are positive to detect COVID-19 regardless of how dark or light the line appears.
Are COVID-19 test results from the past accurate?
COVID tests for at-home use or tests with a rapid format that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include an expiration date that is printed on the package or the box. The FDA doesn’t recommend the use of a test that is expired.
However, the expiration dates of certain tests are extended for certain tests. This is because when the testing was first made available by the manufacturers and printed expiration dates, they did so with a font that was quite conservative. In the years since they’ve conducted studies that show that the expiration dates can be pushed back or extended. This means that if the expiration date is extended, you can use your tests at home past the date that is printed on the packaging, and they’ll be precise.
You could look up your test results by looking at the FDA checklist (under the “expiration” column) to determine when the expiration date for your COVID-19 test at home is extended. It is also possible to determine whether there’s a change to the expiration date.
What are the recommended practices for children to protect themselves from COVID?
Here’s what experts in the field of health recommend you do to keep your children safe from COVID variants
- Children who are aged between months must receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
- If your child’s symptoms aren’t improving, let them be examined for COVID. If the initial test is positive, have them test another time, perhaps a couple of days afterward.
- If your kids are travelling or in situations with a lot of people ensure that they wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask. Ages 2 and over can wear a mask safely. Anyone who can’t easily remove their mask, or is having breathing issues should not wear one.
If your child was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, it usually doesn’t offer much protection against the latest variations. If your child is diagnosed with COVID-19, ensure they are hydrated. Make sure to alternate the dose of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 3 hours to ease fevers.
Read more:
The Emergence of a New Covid XEC Variant in Europe: What Is Known