COVID-19 symptoms updated

07 April 2022

The list of common COVID-19 symptoms has been extended to include new symptoms, including a runny nose, headache, and sore throat. The updated guidance, agreed by the Deputy Medical Officer for Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, aligns Jersey's list of symptoms with the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) following the emergence of the newer COVID-19 variants.

The updated most common symptoms of COVID-19, (starting with most frequent to least frequent), are the new onset of one or more of:

a blocked or runny nose; sneezing

feeling tired or exhausted
sore throat and/or hoarse
headache or dizziness
new, continuous cough
high temperature or shivering (chills)
shortness of breath
aching body
loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick

Islanders who have any of these symptoms may have COVID-19 and are reminded to stay at home and book a PCR test.

Previously, the three main symptoms of COVID-19 were a high temperature or fever, a new continuous cough, and loss or change to sense of smell and taste. However, the new Omicron variants have altered the frequency of the predominant symptoms, so informing Islanders of the new distribution of symptoms will better alert Islanders of when to get tested.

Islanders are also reminded that COVID-19 infection may feel similar to a cold, flu or allergy, so they are encouraged to book a PCR test and stay at home to rule out the possibility of COVID-19.

Deputy Medical Officer for Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, said: "COVID-19 can affect people in different ways, and as new variants emerge the range of symptoms may also change. So, following the emergence of the Omicron variants we have updated the list of the commoner symptoms seen to ensure Islanders are aware of when they should consider infection with COVID.

"The spring season often causes people to suffer with allergies, it is very important not to confuse COVID-19 for allergies or a cold. If you have any of the listed symptoms, or if you are generally feeling unwell, the best thing to do is stay at home and book a PCR test."