UK’s NHS has expanded the official list of COVID-19 symptoms, accommodating nine new ones. Here’s all you need to know.
Nine new COVID-19 symptoms
As per the UK’s National Health Service’s website, the official list of COVID-19 symptoms has nine new ones. Previously, fever, loss or change in smell or taste, and persistent cough were the only signs. Extending the list will help in gaining better control of symptoms as people can recognize infections at a faster pace. The move is following the rise in cases in the UK. Currently, around five million people are expected to be infected.
The new signs of COVID-19 include shortness of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, body aches, sore throat, and an aching body. Blocked or runny nose, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and feeling sick are also on the list. According to the website, “the symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu”. The NHS is advising people with these symptoms to ‘try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They are also recommended to take more care and avoid interaction with those at risk of contracting the coronavirus.
Current status in the UK
On Friday, the Office for National Statistics stated that as the week ending March 26, 4.9 million in the UK were infected. Additionally, they estimate one in every ten to be infected. Since the emergence of the infection, the Uk has three symptoms on its official list. Authorities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) were insisting they broaden it. In addition to the new covid symptoms listed by the NHS, the WHO recognizes four more symptoms. They are- chest pain, rash or discoloration of fingers/toes, loss of mobility/speech, and irritated or red eyes. However, the list of symptoms according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is similar to the ones listed by the NHS.