CDC Adds to List of COVID-19 Symptoms

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added six additional symptoms to the initial list of three identified when the pandemic first broke. The additions come as health experts' understanding of the confounding disease evolves. The initial “Symptoms of Coronavirus” list on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website were: fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

The six new additions are:
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms of infection may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

According to the CDC, it is recommended that medical attention be sought immediately if any emergency warning signs are experienced. These include the following:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

The above list is all inclusive, however, the CDC recommends consulting your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

In addition to the new symptoms added, the medical community is investigating other effects of the COVID-19 virus. Some infected people develop purple or blue lesions on the feet and toes, most commonly appearing in children and young adults. This has been called “COVID toes.” Some doctors reported that the virus may trigger sudden strokes in adults in their 30s and 40s, which could be a result of blood clotting issues. The cause of these occurrences has not been fully identified.

For more information please contact the Government Affairs Department at govtaffairs@sgia.org.
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