Do you feel like you may be showing symptoms of COVID but you don't have a testing kit on you right now? Thankfully, now that we are 2+ years into the pandemic there are a whole host of alternative methods for COVID screening emerging.

First of all, what are the symptoms of COVID?

The three most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. Other less common symptoms include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea and loss of taste or smell. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important that you check for COVID as soon as possible.

How to check for COVID

There are a few different ways you can check for COVID. The most common way is through a PCR test, which is a swab of your nose and/or throat. You can also get a blood test or a saliva test. The PCR test is the most accurate but it can take up to 72 hours to get results back. The blood and saliva tests are less accurate, but they can give you results in as little as 15 minutes.

If you don't have access to any of these tests, you can also record a cough and check for COVID symptoms using a smartphone health check app. Simply record yourself coughing for 20 seconds and then upload the recording to an online symptom checker.

When to seek medical help

If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, it's important to seek medical help as soon as possible. You should call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital. If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or blue lips, you should call emergency services and let them know that you may have COVID-19. Be sure to wear a mask when you go to the doctor or the hospital so that you don't spread the virus to others.

Treatment for COVID

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. If you have mild symptoms, you can rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be used to help with fever and pain. If you have severe symptoms, however, you may need to be hospitalised. Treatment will focus on relieving your symptoms and supporting your vital organs. This may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medication to reduce inflammation.

Prevention of COVID

The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to the virus. This means washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and wearing a mask when you are around others. You should also clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles, tables, and countertops. If you are sick, it's important to stay home so that you don't spread the virus to others.