Recently, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new statement regarding the recognition of more symptoms associated with COVID-19 in patients across the US.
Similar symptoms have also been noted by health authorities and hospitals in countries in Europe and Asia. Previously, the primary symptoms for the coronavirus infection were shortness of birth, dry coughing, and flu.
Now, the second set of common symptoms has been recognized. According to the CDC, people who have contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus may also notice signs such as temporary loss of senses including smell and taste, sore throat, body and muscle pain, and having chills without having a fever.
The Lord Fairfax Health District Director, Dr. Colin Greene, says “Nationwide, the reason that second set of symptoms has been added on is that they have turned up a lot, and apparently the loss of smell/loss of taste is fairly common,”
In addition, doctors and health care workers have also reported that some people may only experience signs from the second set and not flu or dry coughing. With the end of the flu season, these symptoms may, in fact, become more common.
RELATED: When Should You Wear a Mask for COVID-19?
Greene states if any people are having symptoms similar to the ones listed above, they are advised to stay at home and self-quarantine. In case the signs worsen, reporting to a hospital immediately is recommended.
These changes in the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 may be a result of the mutations in the virus, according to a number of health experts.
Since some studies have shown that the virus mutations have made it more potent and contagious, it may also be possible that they have had an impact on the infection’s common symptoms.
However, the exact reason for the change remains unclear. Some scientists have even given opposing views, saying that the virus had undergone mutations long ago but they do not necessarily mean that the virus is deadlier or has changed.
A change in symptoms, therefore, also does not mean that the coronavirus infection has changed or become more difficult to control.
Such beliefs should not be spread as there is already an increase in mental health problems such as anxiety and depressive episodes across the world and they may create further panic amongst the public.
New signs of COVID-19 had also been reported by hospitals and researchers from other parts of the world before the infection reached the east coast in the United States.
Therefore, the CDC states that its list may not be all-inclusive even after the addition of the second set of symptoms. According to the list, the most common symptoms are coughing, sore throat, flu-like signs, loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, persistent fever, chills without fever, and muscle and body pain.
In addition, people may also experience other symptoms such as the inability to wake up or stay awake, difficulty in breathing, bluish tones on the face or bluish lips, a feeling of pressure and pain in the chest, and difficulty in concentrating.
These are all of the signs that are a part of the list of symptoms of the CDC. Other countries have also reported less common signs such as gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
Health experts have also noted that children diagnosed with COVID-19 also have lesion-like growths on their feet in certain parts of Denmark and Italy. However, this sign is not noted as much as others are.
With the new update in the list of symptoms, people experiencing any are suggested to report to a hospital or a coronavirus facility as soon as possible to prevent further spread of SARS-CoV-2 and get treatment on time.
