What are the 9 symptoms of COVID?
When COVID-19 first emerged, infections followed a consistent pattern with three main symptoms: a continuous dry cough, fever, and a loss in sense of taste or smell.
The infection has now morphed into different symptoms, as new variants of the virus have emerged, and as most people are fully vaccinated.
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What should I look out for now?
The 9 additional symptoms are feeling short of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, having body aches, a headache, a sore throat, having a blocked or runny nose, a loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, or feeling sick.
These are general symptoms that can all indicate the flu or glandular fever, or each one can signify other common ailments like a cold or tonsillitis, or food poisoning.
Why are the symptoms so important?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently post their strategy on living with COVID. They list recommendations for testing and isolation guidelines depending on test results.
The choice of a test will depend on whether it is for diagnosis or screening, and how quickly results are needed.
While the disease has become milder for most, it can still cause severe disease in the most vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. You may have family members who fall into this category.
So, it's good to be aware of possible COVID symptoms so you can stay at home, get better, and protect others around you.
If I can't test, when should I isolate?
If you have any of these COVID-19 symptoms, and either a high temperature or you just don't feel well enough to go to work or school, keep to yourself at home. Once you're feeling better and no longer have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, it might be safe to head out.
The CDC recommends that isolation should last for at least 5 days.
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