U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
ZA
A 53-year-old female asked:

Amy has flu like symptoms - sore throat, headache, sore chest when breathing deeply or after a sneeze, is feeling tired and her ears are a bit blocked. do we need to do a covid test?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Segal
A Verified Doctoranswered
Family Medicine 44 years experience
Who and age: Not sure how old Amy is or if related? A general question, any underlying conditions? Is there loss of smell an/or taste, fever. So, answer is: appears to be flu like symptoms. My best guess is be tested for flu first, continue supportive care-fluids, tylenol and rest, maybe a cough/expectorant. Not likely is covid.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Heidi Fowler
Psychiatry 27 years experience
COVID 19 concerns: In South Africa- one consults with a medical provider who will determine need for COVID 19 testing. Consult your local primary care provider or you can use telemedicine for individual consultations. Suspicion for COVID 19 is higher if you have at least 2 of these symptoms: temp of at least 99.6 F (37.5 C), Cough, Shortness of breath, Chills, Shivering, Muscle pain, Headache, Sore throat or new
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Nov 16, 2020

People also asked

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.