The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially added six more symptoms of COVID-19 after gathering enough scientific evidence from observations of current patients infected with the virus.
These new symptoms include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Together with fever, cough and shortness of breath which were already on CDC’s list, the total number of symptoms has now risen to nine.
All of these symptoms, both previously and recently announced, may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. People experiencing at least two of the new symptoms are advised to consult with a medical provider first before heading to the hospital.
However, those who are experiencing difficulties in breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or bluish lips or face are recommended to seek immediate medical attention.
The six new symptoms had already been recorded on anecdotes by doctors since mid-March, including loss of taste or smell. According to observations, it could be an early indicator of someone being infected but asymptomatic.
Also an early indicator of other upper-respiratory infections, this specific symptom is linked to how the virus damages olfactory bulbs that are involved in the sense of smell.
In fact, British Rhinological Society president Claire Hopkins and Eyes, Nose and Throat (ENT) UK president Nirmal Kumar presented reports from South Korea, China, Iran and Italy that noted significant numbers of confirmed COVID-19 patients have developed a loss of taste or smell.
With these new symptoms revealed, the call for following social distancing measures continues to rise despite some countries already relaxing their lockdown restrictions.
Header photo from Inquirer.net
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Writer: YANN MAGCAMIT
