A loss of smell and/or taste have been added to the list of recognised coronavirus symptoms in the UK following advice from leading researchers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) previously listed anosmia as an identifying marker of the condition, but those experiencing the symptom were not initially advised to self-isolate in the UK.
However, new guidelines agreed by the four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) - including Dr Gregor Smith - mean people suffering from taste or smell loss will be asked to isolate at home for seven days.
Ear, nose and throat experts previously criticised the UK governments for failing to add the symptom to the official list sooner.
A new continuous cough or fever has also been added to the list.
The symptoms may be an indicator of other respiratory conditions including the common cold or flu.
A statement issued by the four CMOs read: “From today, all individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia.
“Anosmia is the loss or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.
“We have been closely monitoring the emerging data and evidence on COVID-19 and after thorough consideration, we are now confident enough to recommend this new measure.
“The individual’s household should also self-isolate for 14 days as per the current guidelines and the individual should stay at home for 7 days, or longer if they still have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell or taste.”
According to the WHO, those suffering from COVID-19 may also experience the following symptoms:
aches and pains
tiredness
fever
continuous cough
sore throat
diarrhoea
conjunctivitis (red eye)
headache
loss of taste or smell
a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
