According to a group of general physicians, common cold symptoms should not be taken for granted and must be treated as a sign of coronavirus.

As per reports, 140 east London general practitioners and health care professionals have written and signed an open letter to chief medical officer Chris Whitty and and Dr. Susan Hopkins of Public Health England, demanding to list common ailments under possible COVID symptoms.

The GPs have claimed that patients usually experience typical symptoms of common cold like sore throat, a runny nose and headaches before testing positive for coronavirus. They urge people to act as those with mild symptoms are unintentionally spreading the virus thinking it to be just another winter chill.
One of the general physicians, Dr. Alex Sohal, co-author of the letter published in the British Medical Journal, states, “These patients have frequently not even considered that they may have Covid-19 and have not self-isolated in the crucial early days when they were most infectious.”

According to her, “The national publicity campaign focuses on cough, high temperature, and loss of smell or taste as symptoms to be aware of—only patients with these symptoms are able to access a Covid-19 test online through the NHS test booking site.”

Sohal claimed that the GPs have to advise patients to be dishonest to get a Covid-19 test.

In addition to that she says, “It is vital to now change the UK Covid-19 case definition and test criteria to include coryza (runny nose) and cold, making them consistent with WHO.

“Tell the public, especially those who have to go out to work and their employers, that even those with mild symptoms (not only a cough, high temperature, and a loss of smell or taste) should not go out, prioritising the first five days of self-isolation when they are most likely to be infectious,” she adds.

Other classic symptoms of COVID
While the list of COVID symptoms continue to increase and expand, some of the most prevalent signs of the novel coronavirus are as follows.

– Fever

– Dry cough

– Muscle and joint pain

– Loss of sense of smell and taste

– Abdominal pain and nausea

– Sore throat- Chest pain and shortness of breath

– Fatigue

Steps to take

In case you experience or develop any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, the best way to confirm your medical condition is by getting yourself tested.

Once you do that, isolate yourself until and until you receive your reports.

Follow COVID guidelines and maintain social distancing at all times, especially at crowded places. Wear your masks and disinfect frequently touched areas.

(Times of India)