There are a plethora of symptoms associated with COVID-19 and the list continues to be updated. A new study suggests chills, loss of appetite, headache and muscle aches should be added to the list. The findings are based on swab tests and questionnaires taken from June up until last month as part of Imperial College London’s REACT study of over one million people.
The study also found that the more symptoms people showed, the more likely they were to test positive for the virus.
It is worth noting that the study found around 60 percent of infected people did not report any symptoms at all in the week leading up to their test.
Age had an influence on the symptoms presented but chills were associated with COVID-19 across all age groups.
Headaches were most prevalent in young cohorts aged five to 17, although they were less likely to report the classic symptoms of fever and persistent cough.
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The researchers calculate that if everyone who had these symptoms got tested, around half of symptomatic coronavirus infections would be identified.
But if these new symptoms are added to the list, they believe this number would rise to around three quarters.
How to respond to coronavirus symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
If you have a high temperature, the NHS says it can help to:
- Get lots of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.
There have been some news reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making coronavirus worse.
The Commission on Human Medicines has now confirmed there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature makes coronavirus worse.
“You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat symptoms of coronavirus,” adds the NHS.