For almost two years we've been keeping an eye on any potential covid related symptom, namely the main three.
This includes a new and continuous cough, a fever as well as a loss or change in taste or smell.
If you’re under 65, a temperature over 37.8°C is likely to be a sign of covid or if you’re over 65 or very thin, your normal body temperature is likely to be lower, so a reading over 37.4°C should be considered to be a potential symptom also according to experts.
However in a recent analysis, data from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app showed that 31% of people who have covid don’t show any of the main three in the early stages of contracting the virus. This means that many people who are infected may not be getting tested and as a result, could be spreading the virus to the larger population.
As a result of their findings, they also discovered that a loss or change in smell as common and as a result anosmia was added to the list of official covid symptoms.
In addition to the main three, there are also seven key symptoms to look out for and if experiencing, individuals are encouraged to self-isolate and to book a PCR test immediately.
These include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Loss or change in taste and smell
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
Recently Nicola Sturgeon had to self-isolate having come into contact with someone who tested positive.
She said: "I’ve had notification tonight that I’ve been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive for Covid. Accordingly, and in line with the rules, I’ll be self-isolating pending a PCR test result. My thanks to all the contact tracers working so hard in NHS Test & Protect."
Earlier today however she tweeted: "Relieved to report that my PCR test is negative. Coupled with fact I’m double vaccinated - with second dose more than 2 weeks ago - that means I no longer need to isolate. I’ll still be doing regular LFD tests as added precaution tho - and encourage everyone else to do likewise."
Scotland is currently experiencing a 'sharp rise' in coronavirus cases with 7,113 cases recorded on Sunday including 2,211 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Today (August 30) saw 3,893 new cases with 52 people now in intensive care
No new deaths were reported however the Register Offices are generally closed at weekends.
Speaking at a briefing on Friday (August 27), Scotland's First Minister said: "Please test yourself regularly – that way, if you have the virus but don’t have symptoms, you have a chance of picking that up before going to work or out socialising and inadvertently passing it to others.
"Free lateral flow tests are available by post through the NHS inform website, or for collection from test sites and local pharmacies. If you test positive through one of these lateral flow devices - or if you have symptoms of the virus - make sure that you self-isolate, and book a PCR test."
The full list of official covid symptoms:
- High temperature (fever)
- Chills or shivers
- Persistent cough
- Loss or change in smell (anosmia)
- Loss or change in taste (dysgeusia)
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness (fatigue)
- Sore throat
- Sudden confusion (delirium), especially in older people
- Skin rash
- Changes in the mouth or tongue (COVID tongue)
- Red and sore fingers or toes (COVID fingers/toes)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Muscle pains
- Hoarse voice
- Diarrhoea
- Skipping meals
- Abdominal pains
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
For a full list of symptoms and a detailed look at each such as the type of rashes to look out for, visit here.
To book a free test, visit the NHS Inform website here.
