CDC adds six new symptoms to COVID-19 guidelines

A recent update by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added six new symptoms to the list of those already associated with COVID-19. Early on, the public had been educated to look for three symptoms associated with COVID-19: fever, shortness of breath, and cough. Now the CDC has a new list of the following symptoms also believed to be associated with the viral infection:

·      Chills

·      Repeated shaking with chills

·      Muscle pain

·      Headache

·      Sore throat

·      Loss of taste or smell

Hospitals had already been using these six additional symptoms as possible symptom indicators for the virus. A main reason why these six new symptoms were made publicized was to encourage more people or anyone with less common symptoms, besides fever, cough, or shortness of breath, to seek medical care. They were also added to the existing list of COVID-19 symptoms to help identify whether someone should be tested for the infection. With a limited number of test kits available, a person could be infected with the virus but not display fever, shortness of breath, or a cough but might instead have any one or more of the six additional symptoms now added to the CDC symptom list.

Many of these six symptoms often present in people as indicators of an influenza-like disease. Typically, influenza is accompanied with chills, muscle aches and pains, and a headache. The one new symptom that is an outlier from the rest is the loss of taste or smell. The loss of taste may possibly be perceived as foods that “taste funny or different” than usual or for some individuals, they may have little to no taste perception whatsoever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 generally appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure. The CDC website strongly advises anyone with “emergency warning signs” for COVID-19 which includes trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, bluish lips or face and confusion or an inability to arouse, to seek medical help immediately.

However, anyone with other severe symptoms or have concerning symptoms should consult with their medical provider, as stated by the CDC.

Since COVID-19 is an evolving condition we are still learning about, there could be new symptoms that may be added to the list. For instance, some people who’ve tested positive for the virus have also had gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.  “COVID toes” is another symptom more commonly seen in children and young adults who’ve had the virus. Pink eye and strokes in adults with no previous history of heart disease are two other less common symptoms associated with COVID-19.

David B. Samadi, MD, Urologic Oncology Expert and Robotic Surgeon located at 485 Madison Avenue on the 21st floor, New York, NY – 212-365-5000.  Follow Dr. Samadi at www.samadimd.com,  www.prostatecancer911.com, and www.roboticoncology.com.