COVID-19 and Bronchitis
The symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, include fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, and a sore throat. These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, such as bronchitis, making it hard to determine the exact cause based solely on how you feel.
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. The main symptom is a deep cough that starts suddenly. It may begin as a dry, hacking cough but often progresses to include mucus production. Other symptoms might include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Slight fever and chills
- Chest discomfort
- Cold symptoms like mild headache or body aches
You may continue to have a cough for weeks or months after other symptoms have resolved.
When to Call Your Doctor
To ensure proper care, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Signs of COVID-19 that might help differentiate it from bronchitis include:
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Stomach issues such as pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Pinkeye
- Skin rash
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis develops suddenly and does not last long. It is often referred to as a chest cold and is usually caused by the same viruses responsible for colds and the flu. However, acute bronchitis can also be a symptom of COVID-19. Coronaviruses and other respiratory viruses can cause bronchitis, which may occasionally progress to pneumonia, a more severe lung infection. Pneumonia symptoms include:
- Wet cough
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
These symptoms can become severe without proper treatment.
Because the symptoms of a cold, flu, bronchitis, and COVID-19 can overlap, a lab test is the only way to confirm a COVID-19 infection. Your doctor can guide you on whether you need testing.
Chronic Bronchitis
Bronchitis can sometimes be chronic, lasting several months or recurring frequently. Chronic bronchitis can result from smoking, air pollution, lung diseases, or a weakened immune system.
While bronchitis does not cause COVID-19 or increase your likelihood of contracting it, having chronic bronchitis or other health issues may increase your risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19. Conditions like asthma, lung disease, and chronic bronchitis are considered high-risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Reducing Your Risk
Research indicates that nearly half of COVID-19 cases are mild but still contagious. If you have chronic bronchitis or other lung conditions, take extra precautions to avoid infection. Vaccination is strongly recommended, and you should also follow these preventive measures:
- Wear a face mask in public.
- Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay away from people who are sick, even if they only have mild symptoms.
- Avoid contact with individuals who have recently traveled.
- Follow local public health guidelines, including social distancing.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.
- Wash your hands after interacting with animals.
Monitoring and Action
If you suspect exposure to the virus, monitor your temperature and symptoms daily. Approximately 97% of individuals who contract COVID-19 develop symptoms within two weeks of exposure. If you feel unwell, contact your doctor for guidance. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe discomfort.
BioNTech’s co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Ozlem Tureci, MD, has indicated that annual vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 may become necessary due to waning immunity over time.
Key Phrases
- COVID-19 symptoms
- Bronchitis and COVID-19
- Acute bronchitis
- Chronic bronchitis
- Respiratory illness prevention
Tags
COVID-19, bronchitis, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, respiratory illness, pneumonia, symptoms of COVID-19, COVID-19 prevention, coronavirus, lung health
Excerpt
Learn the key differences between COVID-19 and bronchitis, how their symptoms overlap, and when to seek medical attention. Discover prevention tips to stay safe during the pandemic.
Meta Description
Understand the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and bronchitis, their symptoms, and essential prevention tips for staying safe during the pandemic.
Subheadings
- What Is Bronchitis?
- When to Call Your Doctor
- Acute Bronchitis
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Reducing Your Risk
- Monitoring and Action