The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have added six new entries to their official list of COVID-19 symptoms. The changes, which were widely reported on over the weekend, were made to the list on April 17, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The CDC’s New Symptoms
Prior to that date, the CDC’s website listed fever, cough, and shortness of breath as the three symptoms of the disease. That list has now been updated to include chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of smell or taste. The new criteria also modifies shortness of breath to include difficulty breathing.
While this is the first acknowledgment by the CDC of these additional symptoms, reports and anecdotes worldwide have mentioned many of them before. As the Miami Herald reports, basketball star Rudy Gobert reported losing his sense of smell for at least four days after testing positive.
Meanwhile, reporter Chris Cuomo of CNN shared that he had chills so intense he chipped a tooth.
The WHO Weighs In
The symptoms listed by the CDC mostly align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) own tally. The WHO lists fever, tiredness, and dry cough as common symptoms of COVID-19. It also mentions shortness of breath, aches and pains, and sore throat, while noting that “very few people” have reported diarrhea, nausea, and a runny nose, as well.
“People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral,” WHO guidelines state. “People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.”
Meanwhile, the CDC recommends immediate medical attention emergency warning signs, including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face. “This list is not all-inclusive,” the CDC website reads. “Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”
CDC COVID-19 New Symptoms — Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chicago Tribune
Miami Herald
World Health Organization