The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now added six new COVID-19 symptoms to the official list.
In addition to shortness of breath, fever and cough being initial indicators that a person could have COVID-19, chills, repeated shaking with chills, headache, sort throat, muscle pain and new loss of taste or smell may also come along with the disease. New anecdotal evidence collected over time has lead the CDC to officially add these symptoms to the list on its website.
In many states, especially those where testing is still far too limited, people need to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested. With a new expanded list of symptoms, ideally more infected people will be diagnosed more rapidly and not denied testing because they weren’t exhibiting more extreme symptoms.
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the Black community in America, with state fatality rates among the Blacks who’ve tested positive for the coronavirus being much higher than that of other races.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed, whether mild or severe, you should seek testing immediately.
ESSENCE is committed to bringing our audience the latest facts about COVID-19 (coronavirus). Our content team is closely monitoring the developing details surrounding the virus via official sources and health care experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Please continue to refresh ESSENCE’s informational hub for updates on COVID-19, as well as for tips on taking care of yourselves, your families and your communities.