Coronavirus cases are rapidly increasing in the UK, and across the world. But, with people being stuck inside and unable to spend much time in the sunshine, how are you supposed to tell whether your symptoms are caused by a vitamin D deficiency, or whether it’s actually the deadly viral infection?
The coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) last month.
Since its emergence, the virus has killed more than 83,000 people, and infected almost 1.5 million.
The virus first started in the Wuhan district, in China, but has since spread to 200 countries across the globe.
The WHO has now warned that health systems are at risk of becoming overwhelmed in many countries, after an increasing demand on health workers and facilities.
“Previous outbreaks have demonstrated that when health systems are overwhelmed, deaths due to vaccine-preventable and treatable conditions increase dramatically,” said the WHO’s director-general, Tedros Adhanom.
“Even though we’re in the midst of a crisis, essential health services must continue. Babies are still being born, vaccines must still be delivered, and people still need life-saving treatment for a range of other diseases.
“COVID-19 is reminding us how vulnerable we are, how connected we are and how dependent we are on each other.
“In the eye of a storm like COVID, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness.
“With solidarity, humility and assuming the best of each other, we can – and will – overcome this together.”
More than 55,000 people in the UK have now been diagnosed with coronavirus, but with the country on lockdown, how can you tell whether your symptoms are caused by a vitamin D deficiency or the infection?
DON’T MISS
Coronavirus warning – the best way to avoid severe symptoms [QUOTES]
Coronavirus symptoms: Two warning signs in the stomach [SYMPTOMS]
Coronavirus symptoms: How to tell if it’s NOT a cold or the flu [LATEST]
Coronavirus symptoms
Most common:
Fever
Dry cough
Shortness of breath
Aching muscles
Fatigue
Less common:
Phlegm buildup
Headache
Hemoptysis
Diarrhoea
Atypical:
Runny nose
Sore throat
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus symptoms: Coughing up this substance is a sign
How is coronavirus different to vitamin D deficiency?
There are some similarities between the coronavirus and a vitamin D deficiency.
In particular, both conditions can lead to similar signs of flu or a common cold.
Both COVID-19 and the deficiency can cause a fever, runny noses and sore throats, although they’re relatively rare.
The conditions could also both cause diarrhoea, while some patients have complained about aches and pains.
Crucially, however, a vitamin D deficiency wouldn’t cause a cough, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A cough is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, and is usually characterised by a dry, continuous cough.
Coronavirus symptoms also include shortness of breath, whereas a vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to leave you feeling tight-chested.
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus warning – the one mild COVID-19 symptom you may miss
How should you protect yourself?
The best way to avoid becoming infected with coronavirus is to stay at home.
The UK government has ordered everyone to remain inside their own homes for at least three weeks.
You should only leave the house to buy basic necessities – food and medicine – or for one form of exercise a day.
You can also go outside if you need medical help, or to help a vulnerable person, or if you’re travelling to and from work.
Only key workers should be travelling to work, with the majority expected to remain at home.
To stop the coronavirus spreading, it’s also important to wash your hands with soap regularly, for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, you can use a hand sanitiser gel.
If you do leave the house, wash your hands as soon as you return.
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and then immediately put the tissue into a bin.
Source: Read Full Article