There are different sets of symptoms around the world
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Coronavirus looks to be set to be with us in one form or another for some time yet, with the virus continuing to spread far and wide.
For almost two years now people have been advised to be on the look-out for a number of main symptoms of the virus, but for some there is confusion as they can contract it without exhibiting any of those signs.
Also, health organisations around the world have their own lists of signs to look out for – so what are the main differences?
READ MORE:Get the latest Coronavirus news and advice from LeicestershireLive
In the UK, the watchlist for symptoms has remained unchanged since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, reports WalesOnline.
Here, the NHS says there are three main symptoms to look out for. They are:
A high temperature – meaning you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
A new, continuous cough – this means coughing for more than an hour or if you have had three or more coughing episodes in last 24 hours
A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – meaning you cannot smell or taste anything or things smell or taste different to normal
Symptoms for children are also the same, but the NHS says that generally these present less seriously in youngsters.
These symptoms are matched by the World Health Organisation (WHO), but they have gone further on their list, breaking their Covid-19 lists down into common, less common, and serious symptoms.
WHO’s most common Covid-19 symptoms are:
Fever
Cough
Tiredness
Loss of taste or smell
WHO’s less common Covid-19 symptoms are:
Sore throat
Headache
Aches and pains
Diarrhoea
A rash on skin or discolouration of fingers or toes
Red or irritated eyes
WHO’s serious Covid-19 symptoms are:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Loss of speech or mobility or confusion
Chest pain
The advice here from WHO is that anyone suffering with serious symptoms is to seek immediate medical attention.
However, they should call ahead before visiting a doctor or health facility to prevent further spreading of Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a list of symptoms that acknowledges a wide range of Covid-19 related ailments.
This list is reported from appearing anywhere between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus.
CDC Covid-19 symptoms are:
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
Diarrhoea
Like the WHO, the CDC also have a list of serious symptoms. These are:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds depending on skin tone
Again, like the other health agencies, anyone who is seriously ill should seek immediate medical treatment.
Back in the UK, there is a large study looking into the symptoms of Covid-19.
Known as the ZOE Covid Study, it is based by the Department of Health and Social Care and endorsed by NHS Wales and NHS Scotland.
It too has a list of the most important Covid-19 symptoms to look out for. They are:
Runny nose
Headache
Sneezing
Sore throat
Persistent cough
Fever
Loss of taste and smell
The ZOE Covid Study also has a list of other symptoms to be mindful of, including confusion and abdominal pains.
The full list is:
High temperature
Chills or shivers
Unusual tiredness (fatigue)
Sudden confusion, especially in older people
Skin rash
Changes in the mouth or tongue (Covid tongue)
Red and sore fingers or toes
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Muscle pain
Hoarse voice
Diarrhoea
Skipping meals
Abdominal pains
For now, while Covid-19 remains prevalent around the globe, the advice in the UK remains the same. If you feel you have symptoms of Covid-19, get tested and follow current government guidance on isolation.
People should also get vaccinated if they are not.
Anyone who is seriously ill with Coronavirus should seek immediate medical treatment.
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