The public has been exposed to anxiety-causing information and working with care and caution; this is no different for those at the Centers for Disease Control, otherwise known as the CDC, except they are working directly with COVID-19. 

As masses of citizens around the world continue to become infected, it paradoxically allows epidemiological and public health experts far more insight into COVID-19.

This month, the CDC updated the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19, noting that every infected person can be unique in their symptoms. 

Regardless, the following novel symptoms listed have been added to the original three: chills, headache, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain and a new loss of taste or smell. 

Among the original three symptoms previously listed alone — fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing — the CDC states that someone exhibiting a combination of two of the six new symptoms or fever may have COVID-19. 

The update stemmed from a 10-page document issued by an organization of epidemiologists specializing in public health; the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, or CSTE, outlined proper means of identifying and diagnosing.

They have made one message extremely clear: the “list is not all-inclusive,” meaning that those who are infected with COVID-19 may show symptoms not officially on the list; some may even show no symptoms whatsoever yet still act as carriers for the disease.  

Doctors have recently discovered that colorful lesions on typically younger patients’ feet and toes could be an early sign of infection with COVID-19. The name this symptom has been unofficially given: “COVID toes.”

Essentially, experts are expressing that though it is crucial to follow the official symptoms reported from organizations such as the CDC and WHO and to seek medical care when suggested to do so, it is also imperative to stay mindful of irregular symptoms — to be better safe than sorry.

The CDC warns that if you have any “emergency warning signs” — trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or bluish lips or face — then it is wise to seek medical attention, in some cases calling 911. 

If you suspect you or someone else close to you is infected, the CDC not only has a Self-Checker to guide you in what to do personally, but they also list precautions to take: stay home except to get medical care, separate yourself from other people, monitor your symptoms, call ahead before visiting your doctor, wear a cloth covering your nose and mouth, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean your hands often, avoid sharing personal household items and clean all “high touch” surfaces every day. 

The executive director of CSTE Janet Hamilton told the LA Times that the COVID-19 essentially continues to develop as we speak and research — from a safe distance. 

“I couldn’t tell you when we plan to update [the symptom list],” Hamilton said in an interview with the LA Times. “But updating is our normal process when dealing with emerging infections.”

Through this health crisis, it is vital to follow such reputable sources and professionals as CDC who act as a well of information and health in action. CDC vows that they have a bold promise for our nation and world. 

“CDC is a unique agency with a unique mission,” their website states. “We work 24/7 to protect the safety, health, and security of America from threats here and around the world.”