Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

Spotting COVID-19 Symptoms – Expert Reaction

The Prime Minister has urged people to look out for the onset of COVID-19 symptoms if they’ve been in contact with a confirmed case. But how do we know if we’re sick?

The SMC has collated a page of resources with the latest research on COVID-19 symptoms.

Fever, dry cough, loss of smell/taste, and shortness of breath are some of the most common. But non-respiratory symptoms like dizziness, ‘brain fog’, and blood clots can also occur less frequently.

The SMC asked experts to comment on COVID-19 symptoms.

Dr Michael Maze, Respiratory and Infectious Disease Physician, University of Otago, comments:

“Overall I think we should be keeping an eye out for the common symptoms, which are a runny nose, loss of smell, cough and feeling tired or ‘wiped out.’ Fever and achey muscles are also pretty common – but not everyone with COVID-19 will have a fever.

“There are also a much larger range of symptoms as COVID-19 can affect many different parts of the body. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headache can also occur but are less common.

“If we feel like we have a cold or flu then we should be getting tested for COVID-19 and self-isolating. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 would want to also be alert to other symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, and headaches.

“While unusual symptoms can occur, they are not common. People are better to focus on staying alert and reacting appropriately to respiratory symptoms.”

No conflict of interest declared.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.