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I Had A Persistent Cough Last Night And Early This

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Posted on Sat, 1 Aug 2020
Question: I had a persistent cough last night and early this morning. I do not have a fever. And the cough has subsided. Otherwise I feel great. I called out of work just in case because of the pandemic. Right now I feel extremely healthy. And I'd like to get back to work tomorrow. I just need some advice. I have allergies that have been pretty horrific lately. But I recognize those symptoms.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
More likely to be an allergic cough and not suggestive of a COVID infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
You had cough mainly at night and has become better in the morning with no fever, sore throat or change in smell or taste.
These symptoms suggest cough due to a post nasal drip which is often allergic in nature. Viral infection with cough is usually associated with fever, sore throat and nasal stuffiness or running nose .
With COVID infections there is often a loss of smell in addition.
If you had contact with someone diagnosed to have COVID, then you need to consider that in the differential diagnosis and you need to get a real time RT PCR if available or self quarantine yourself.
If there has been no contact with some one with COVID, it would be appropriate that you return to work. Remember to wear a 3 layer surgical mask, keep a social distance of at least one meter and wash hands with soap/ sanitize hands with an alcohol containing sanitizer as you may be at risk from infection from patients and asymptomatic carriers.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)
I do apologize but I forgot to ask is there any way you can write a note and email it to me for my employer. I took a screenshot of your response and I can show that to them but they would like to have something to put on file saying that I am ok to work. Is that possible please? I'm not asking for a doctor's note per say because I wasn't under your care they just need something to file away. If thats possible my email address is:
YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion is based on your symptoms only

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me.
I wish I could help you.
My opinion is based on your symptoms only as I have not examined or tested you in the required way to come to a proper diagnosis.
It has no medico legal value.
If you need a paper for your employer, you need to visit a health care facility, have yourself examined and tested.

Best wishes and regards,
Noble Zachariah M.D.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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I Had A Persistent Cough Last Night And Early This

Brief Answer: More likely to be an allergic cough and not suggestive of a COVID infection Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for your query. You had cough mainly at night and has become better in the morning with no fever, sore throat or change in smell or taste. These symptoms suggest cough due to a post nasal drip which is often allergic in nature. Viral infection with cough is usually associated with fever, sore throat and nasal stuffiness or running nose . With COVID infections there is often a loss of smell in addition. If you had contact with someone diagnosed to have COVID, then you need to consider that in the differential diagnosis and you need to get a real time RT PCR if available or self quarantine yourself. If there has been no contact with some one with COVID, it would be appropriate that you return to work. Remember to wear a 3 layer surgical mask, keep a social distance of at least one meter and wash hands with soap/ sanitize hands with an alcohol containing sanitizer as you may be at risk from infection from patients and asymptomatic carriers. Do get back to me if you have further queries.