As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in many parts of the country, health officials say it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for.
Though COVID-19 has been commonly known as a respiratory illness, many patients experience a wide range of different symptoms.
Last month the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added congestion, nausea and diarrhea to its list of potential COVID-19 symptoms.
In April, when the CDC added six new symptoms to its list, a runny nose was thought to rarely occur in COVID-19 patients. Now, “congestion or a runny nose” is included among the symptoms. The CDC’s list includes:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The CDC cautions that this list “does not include all possible symptoms,” and will continue to be updated as more becomes known about COVID-19.
It still recommends that people seek medical attention immediately if they develop any of these emergency warning signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
The agency urges those who believe they are sick to stay home, except to seek medical care, and to separate themselves from others.
