CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS, THEN AND NOW

At the start of the pandemic, the most common Covid-19 symptoms were a temperature, a dry cough and tiredness, according to the World Health Organisation. The NHS broadly agreed. But over time a variety of others have emerged...

THEN

Main symptoms recognised by the WHO in January:

Cough: In particular, a dry cough which is tickly but doesn’t bring up any mucus. The NHS advises anyone with a “new, continuous cough” to isolate.

Fever: Anything above 38C (100.4F).

Fatigue: Overall lacking energy without a clear reason why.

NOW

In addition to the above, there are now reports of many other symptoms, including:

Loss or change in smell or taste:

In the spring, this was added to the NHS’S official list of symptoms after the prevalence of this complaint in Covid patients.

Stomach upset:

Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in Covid-19 patients, especially children, according to a study from Queen’s University Belfast, which found that using just cough, loss of smell and fever to diagnose children only caught three quarters of cases. Adding stomach problems increased that to 97 per cent.

Headache: Also common in children: over half of symptomatic young sufferers had a headache, according to new research. It could be an early virus symptom. Delirium: Particularly common in frail people over 65, according to studies. They might feel disorientated, confused and struggle to speak properly or remember things. Conjunctivitis: A rarer symptom which usually occurs later into the progression of the infection.

Depression: Some have reported low mood with Covid-19. It is not yet known how this may occur, but there is long-standing evidence of viral infections affecting mental health.