Monday 11 May 2020
Public Health Services are reminding people of the symptoms associated with infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
The initial case definition used in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, as defined by Public Health England, were more restrictive focusing on the presence of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
However an analysis of the symptoms present in people with COVID-19 in the Bailiwick, along with consideration of symptoms reported in international publications, led us to revising our case definition on the 8th April 2020 to include:
- Fever (rigors, chills, can't get warm, high temperature.)
- Muscle ache (fatigue, exhaustion)
- Headache (sinus pain, pain around eyes)
- Loss of smell/taste
- Continuous new cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Over 80s and 90s - loose stool, mild fever, not themselves with a cough presenting later
Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink said "I really want people to come forward for testing if they have any of these symptoms, no matter how mild. Please contact the Clinical Helpline by calling 01481 756938 or 01481 756969 to arrange for testing.
