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Ministry of Health - COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms

May 25, 2020


This document outlines the symptoms which have been most commonly associated with COVID-19. This information is current as of May 25, 2020, and may be updated as the situation on COVID-19 continues to evolve. If there is a discrepancy between this list and other guidance, this list should be considered as the most up to date.


Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:


  • Fever (temperature of 37.8C or greater)

  • New or worsening cough

  • Shortness of breath


Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include:


  • Sore throat

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • New olfactory or taste disorder(s)

  • Nausea/ vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

  • Runny nose, or nasal congestion - in absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies, post nasal drip, etc.


Other signs of COVID-19 can include:


  • Clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia


Atypical symptoms/ clinical pictures of COVID-19 should be considered, particularly in children, older persons, and people living with a developmental disability. Atypical symptoms can include:

  • Unexplained fatigue/ malaise/ myalgias

  • Delirium (acutely altered mental status and inattention )

  • Unexplained or increased number of falls

  • Acute functional decline

  • Exacerbation of chronic conditions

  • Chills

  • Headaches

  • Croup

  • Conjunctivitis

  • Multisystem inflammatory vasculitis in children

  • Presentation may include persistent fever, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) and rash


Atypical signs can include:


  • Unexplained tachycardia, including age specific tachycardia for children

  • Decrease in blood pressure

  • Unexplained hypoxia (even if mild e.i O2 sat <90%)

  • Lethargy, difficulty feeding in infants (if no other diagnosis)

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