Difficulty speaking could be a 'serious' symptom of coronavirus, experts have warned.
Currently, the NHS say a persistent cough and a fever are the two main Covid-19 symptons.
However, people diagnosed with the virus have complained of other symptoms, with a loss of speech a possible sign of the disease.
Experts at the World Health Organisation (WHO) said difficulty speaking could be accompanied by a lack of movement, and anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.
The WHO said: "Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
"Serious symptoms: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement.
"Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility."
But, a loss of speech may not necessarily always be a sign of coronavirus.
Speaking difficulties could also be a sign of other medical or psychological conditions, such as hearing loss, hearing problems, certain toxins, or selective mutism.
Earlier this week, a new study highlighted another, lesser-known symptom - psychosis.
Researchers at Orygen and La Trobe University in Melbourne have warned that coronavirus is causing psychotic episodes for some patients.
Dr Ellie Brown, co-lead author of the study, said: “COVID-19 is a very stressful experience for everyone, particularly those with complex mental health needs.
“We know that psychosis, and first episodes of psychosis, are commonly triggered by substantial psychosocial stresses. In the context of COVID-19, this could include stress relating to isolation and having to potentially remain within challenging family situations.”
In the study, the team looked at research on viruses such as MERS as SARS, to examine if there was a connection on how these viruses might impact people with psychosis.
The results suggest that some coronavirus patients may experience psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices.
Professor Richard Gray, co-lead author of the study, said: “Maintaining infection control procedures when people are psychotic is challenging.
“In order for them not to become potential transmitters of the virus, clinicians and service providers may benefit from specific infection control advice to mitigate any transmission risk.”
While mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are already being focused on amid the pandemic, the researchers hope their findings will spark further research into more severe mental health conditions like psychosis.
Professor Gray added: “This is a group that's probably going to need more support, with isolation, physical distancing, hand washing etc, and clinicians may be the ones who need to be thinking and working on this to assist this vulnerable population.
According to the NHS, people with psychosis tend to have three main symptoms.
It explained: “Someone who develops psychosis will have their own unique set of symptoms and experiences, according to their particular circumstances.
“But in general, 3 main symptoms are associated with a psychotic episode: hallucinations, delusions, confused and disturbed thoughts.”
