[37F] Experiencing sore throat, loss of smell, and additional symptoms

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, several possible conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• COVID-19: This is a viral infection that can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and difficulty breathing. Given the current pandemic and your symptoms, this is a possibility.

  • Testing for COVID-19 is recommended. If positive, treatment is supportive, meaning it aims to relieve symptoms while your body fights the illness. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications may help with symptoms.

• Influenza (Flu): This is a common viral infection that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. It can be severe or deadly in some cases, especially among the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions.

  • Antiviral medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of the flu. It's best to start these medications within 48 hours of when symptoms start.

• Common Cold: This is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) that usually isn't serious. Symptoms might include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches or a mild headache, sneezing, and generally feeling unwell.

  • There's no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses and shouldn't be used unless there's a bacterial infection. Treatment is directed at relieving signs and symptoms.

• Asthma exacerbation: Your asthma may be worsening, leading to increased coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. This can be triggered by a respiratory infection.

  • Treatment involves the use of quick-relief medicines (also known as rescue or fast-acting medicines), which are taken at the first sign of asthma symptoms for immediate relief of the symptoms.

What you can do

• Get tested for COVID-19: Given your symptoms and the ongoing pandemic, it's important to get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive, you'll need to isolate to protect others from getting infected.

• Rest and hydrate: Regardless of the cause, getting plenty of rest and staying well-hydrated can help your body recover.

• Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter cold, flu, or cough medications may help alleviate some of your symptoms. However, they will not cure viral illnesses.

• Asthma medication: If you have a prescribed inhaler or other asthma medication, make sure you're using it as directed by your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

• Difficulty breathing: If you're having trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

• Worsening symptoms: If your symptoms get worse or if they don't start to improve after a week, make sure to seek medical attention.

• High fever: If you develop a high fever, seek medical attention.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and timely information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.