May 1: CDC Adds to List of COVID-19 Symptoms

Plus, the latest pharmacy and healthcare news to know this week

The Story

The CDC has added six new possible symptoms to its list for COVID-19. The new signs include chills, repeated shaking with chills, headaches, sore throat, muscle pain, and new loss of taste or smell.

Why It Matters

Previously, the CDC’s list of symptoms included fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  According to The New York Times, the new additions are based on guidance from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, which recommended that COVID-19 be a nationally reportable disease. Its guidelines suggest cases should be reported based on positive lab tests and other clinical symptoms. 

Some of the new COVID-19 symptoms, including the loss of taste or smell, mirror observations of doctors and healthcare professionals treating infected patients. While researchers say that patients primarily show signs of respiratory distress, other symptoms are also being monitored. The CDC website notes that its list is not all-inclusive and recommends seeking medical attention for any severe symptoms or emergency warning signs of the coronavirus.

Other healthcare news to know:

1. Preliminary results from a U.S. government trial showed remdesivir might help patients recover faster from the coronavirus. Reuters.

2. Americans are concerned about drug shortages, according to a new SingleCare survey. Drug Topics.

3. CVS and UPS Flight Forward will begin drone deliveries to a Florida retirement community this month. Drug Store News.

4. FDA issued a warning against the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment outside a hospital. FDA.

5. The ongoing pandemic could cut healthcare costs by $575 billion in 2020. BenefitsPRO.