I got my COVID booster today. I’ve never experienced anything more than a sore arm from any of the COVID shots. There are some wild and unproven myths about getting a vaccine. Check out these that made the rounds: Vaccines contain microchips for tracking. Seriously? I wonder if the folks who bought into that one realize they’re being tracked every second by their cell phone. Here’s another: Vaccines alter your DNA: I’m not a genetic scientist but if it did change, I hope it gives me the dancing gene so I can win on Dancing With The Stars. Here’s another silly vaccine myth: Vaccines magnetize your body. I wish I knew this one early in my career.I would have had a built in excuse for being late. After all, I could have told my boss, I was stuck to the car door until the jaws of life pried me free. Some folks may have good reasons for not being vaccinnated. We do, however, have an obligation to ourselves, our family, and those we associate with to learn the truth before believing a wildly created myth i true..
COVID
Health Facts: Is It a Cold or Is It COVID?
When trying to discern between having a cold and COVID-19, here are two lesser-known but important health facts to consider:
1. Loss of Taste and Smell
- COVID-19: A sudden and significant loss of taste (ageusia) or smell (anosmia) without nasal congestion is more characteristic of COVID-19 than a common cold. This symptom can occur early in the course of the illness and may even be the only symptom for some people. It’s not typically seen with a common cold, where any loss of smell or taste usually results from nasal congestion.
- Cold: In a common cold, if there is any loss of smell or taste, it is usually mild and related to nasal congestion or a runny nose. The loss is often partial and improves as the congestion clears.
2. Duration and Onset of Symptoms
- COVID-19: Symptoms of COVID-19 often develop gradually, over several days, and can last longer than those of a cold. Common symptoms like fever, fatigue, and cough can persist for weeks, and some people experience lingering symptoms, known as “long COVID,” for months.
- Cold: The common cold typically has a more abrupt onset of symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, and cough, which usually appear suddenly and peak within a few days. Most cold symptoms resolve within a week to 10 days, and the severity of symptoms tends to decrease as the immune system clears the virus.
Recognizing these nuances can help you better differentiate between a cold and COVID-19, especially in the early stages of illness. However, testing remains the most reliable way to confirm whether symptoms are due to COVID-19.
