Today Costa Rica has 113 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19, ranging in age from 2-87 years old. 46 are women, 67 are men, 104 are Costa Rican, and 7 are foreigners. Two men have died. 951 people have been dismissed as not having the virus. Costa Rica has been under a National Emergency since Monday, March 16^th.

How do you know if you have the deadly virus?

According to the Mayo Clinic (U.S.), signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and can include:

~ Fever

~ Cough

~ Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

Other symptoms can include:

~ Tiredness

~ Aches

~ Runny nose

~ Sore throat

Some people have no symptoms. Severity of symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Older people, or those with chronic medical conditions (heart or lung disease, diabetes, compromised immune systems) are at higher risk of serious illness. This virus has similar symptoms to other respiratory illnesses, and the flu (influenza).

How do I know if I am at risk for COVID-19? Ask yourself these four questions.

1. Have you been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, either while they were sick or developing symptoms?
2. Do you have a fever, cough, severe headache, sore throat, or shortness of breath/difficulty breathing?
3. Are any of these symptoms very severe?
4. Are you at risk due to age or compromised health?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, rather than head off to the hospital directly (they are already swamped with people feeling sick), call your personal physician, Ebais, or health clinic for advice. Going directly to the hospital endangers your health, and possibly that of others, if you are indeed infected. One of the most important things each of us can do during the ongoing pandemic is to free up medical providers to concentrate on the critically ill.

Remember that the vast majority – 80% or more – will have symptoms no worse than a bad cold or the flu, especially if under 50 years old. Most will be better in two weeks. It is recommended that we stay home, rest, drink lots of fluids, eat well, and take over the counter medicine to alleviate symptoms. Recent reports indicate neither Ibuprofen nor Advil are effective on COVID-19.

If you have severe symptoms including chest pain, high fever, dehydration, shortness of breath, dizziness, or have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient, do call your healthcare provider for advice on how to proceed without endangering yourself of others. If symptoms are very severe, call 911.

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