NHS Highland warns there are more than just the three Covid symptoms
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Great vigilance needs to be carried out when assessing yourself for a Covid-19 test, NHS Highland has conceded.
The Strathy put the question this week after one Badenoch mother had difficulty in securing a test since she did not match the precise 'three' symptoms, even though she was convinced that her illness was being caused the coronavirus.
As we reported on Thursday, the mother of two had had to make several attempts to get the attention she needed – and the confirmation that she was, indeed, 'positive' having come into contact with a carrier.
An NHS Highland spokesperson has since confirmed that the 'net' on symptoms was widening:
"The typical symptoms of COVID-19 are:
a new continuous cough and/or
a high temperature or fever
a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
"However, people with COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting.
"These symptoms are increasingly being recognised as coming from COVID.
"Anyone who becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a test."
One Strathy reader in Badenoch added this advice on Friday:
"I suggest readers download a new app managed by the King's Fund prestigious research facility.
"Apart from helping to contribute to a symptom study the site is full of useful information about the virus and how to look after yourself.
"It provides up to date information on the different symptoms to be aware of.
"By taking a few seconds to self-report each day with how you feel it helps the researchers build up a picture of hotspots and how the virus spreads.
"One advantage is that you can add profiles so include all the family. This can be especially useful if you have family members not on the internet.
"Help slow the spread of #COVID19 and identify at risk cases sooner by self-reporting your symptoms daily, even if you feel well: download the app here."
The local mother's concern over her own health followed two small outbreaks at Kingussie High School and Aviemore Primary School, which were confirmed by health bosses on Christmas Eve.
The figure remained at just five positive cases as we hit Thursday's newsstands.
There is also concern infections could be spreading due to many people holidaying in the area from hotspot regions.
Reports are widespread too of holiday homeowners coming to the strath for Christmas and Hogmanay, despite the tier four travel ban being in place since Boxing Day.
Both have fuelled fears more people could have the virus locally, and be passing it on, because diagnosis is centred on the three main symptoms of high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to the sense of smell or taste.
The mother of two young pupils fell unwell a week ago, and said she had been denied a free UK government NHS test several times, on the grounds her symptoms did not fall into the relevant categories.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “Mid last week, I was tracked and traced as being the contact of a positive Covid test.
“The evening before my track and trace text, I had started to feel unwell myself. I was very tired and had a swirling head.
“By Christmas Eve night, my stomach was bloated and uncomfortable enough to wake me up. I had an upset stomach that day, but only slightly. My suspicions were up, so I tried to book a Covid test, because I knew by now I had the virus.
“But I was told, ‘No, you don’t warrant a test because none of the symptoms are correct for Covid’.
“So I left it for a little while and tried again, pointing out that while my symptoms weren’t the three recognised ones, they were in line with the new symptoms people were being asked to look out for. Still I was told no.
“I pointed out that I had been tracked and traced – but still the answer was a no. Eventually the lady on the webchat said, ‘So, you would consider it to be a continuous cough?’ basically suggesting to me to take a liberty with the truth. I was grateful.
“I followed her advice, and was tested that morning, and received an email that evening telling me my result was positive.
“The point is, I am not the only one who has had totally different symptoms from the standard three, and who has had to breach the truth to get a test done that has been positive.”
She stressed she was in no way critical of the NHS, but wanted to highlight the situation kept changing.
She said: “If you feel at all unwell with headache, nausea, fatigue, aches, strange sensation in their nose or other abnormalities, please get tested. There is a fair chance it’s Covid.
“If we can be aware of these other symptoms and act on them, we are ultimately helping towards the bigger picture that’s affecting everyone.”
NHS Highland was asked for its view on the testing in place.
Latest police figures reveal officers have challenged many more people in the south Highland area – also including Lochaber, Skye and Nairn – than any other force in Scotland from December 22 to Sunday.
There were 190 people approached by police, 16 warnings issued and six fines handed out, but no arrests.
Police Scotland Superintendent Iain MacLelland, Highland and Islands Division, said: “The Chief Constable has made it clear that we continue to ask people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing. Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort.”
