CDC adds 6 new possible symptoms of coronavirus to list

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added six new possible symptoms of the coronavirus to its list: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a loss of taste or smells. The additions come as health experts’ understanding of the confounding disease evolves.

The CDC previously listed fever, cough and shortness of breath as symptoms. Shortness of breath was tweaked to “shortness of breath or difficulty breathing” by the CDC.

Coronavirus patients can experience a diversity of issues — from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Patients may be most infectious in the days before they began showing symptoms, studies show.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

The CDC recommends “seeking medical attention immediately” for trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure on chest, bluish lips or face or a new “confusion or inability to arouse.”