CDC adds six to list of coronavirus symptoms

Published 3:10 pm Monday, April 27, 2020

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The Centers for Disease Control has added new symptoms to its list of indicators of the novel coronavirus.

Chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a new loss of taste or smell are the six new symptoms that have been added to the list maintained by the United States’ leading national public health institute.

Fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing had previously been listed as symptoms of COVID-19—and are still listed along with the newly-recognized symptoms.

“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported—ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” according to the CDC website. “These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.”

The website, CDC.gov, also advises that older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Those who have any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19 should seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 and notifying the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

The CDC reminds citizens that the best way to avoid the virus is to wash hands often, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact (staying home as much as possible), cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect.

If you feel sick, stay home and contact a medical provider. If your children are sick, keep them at home.

If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.

More information can be found at CDC.gov.