Infectious Disease Specialist Questions Infectious Disease Specialist

Are these symptoms of covid?

Hi, in the last week I have been in contact with at least 3 people who since then have tested positive for covid. When I was at work Saturday, October 2 I thought it was chilly in my work, and since at least 2 of my coworkers have tested positive and many others out sick my coworkers took that as me having the chills even though I was not running a temperature. I've been told I cannot return to work until I get a test with a negative result or I quarantine. Since I do not drive I cannot find anyone to give me a ride to get tested. On my walk home from work that day I thought it was warm out and took a warm shower and felt fine the rest of the day and most of the day on Sunday. I took a nap just after 3 pm feeling fine but when I woke up at around 5 pm I woke with some crazy pain in both my sides where it feels like someone constantly kneed me in my sides while I was sleeping. Most of the things I've read say covid causes chest pain, not side pain, and ibuprofen helps. I'm just wondering if this is an actual sign of covid. As far as I can tell I'm not running a temperature and my breathing is fine with no cough or sore throat or any of the other symptoms except a few times laying on my bed with just shorts and no shirt on I have gotten the sweats real bad.

Male | 50 years old

2 Answers

From what you are describing- your symptoms can very well be due to COVID-19. If symptoms get worse and you get shortness of breath you should see a doctor and get a COVID-19 test. You should quarantine- stay home for 10 days since you were in contact with your coworker(s) who tested positive. You should only return to work after that 10 day quarantine period is over and all your symptoms have resolved.
Thanks for the question!

Your symptoms are not suggestive of COVID, but with exposure, you do need to quarantine. 7-10 days after last exposure would do. You should try to get tested. Your local pharmacy or doctor can help.