Symptom-based screening for COVID-19

Researchers interviewed 48 healthcare workers in King County, Wash., who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by mid-March. Roughly 17% did not report fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat when their symptoms began; in these patients, chills, myalgia, coryza, and malaise were the most common symptoms. One patient reported only coryza and headache during her illness. The researchers conclude that even if myalgia and chills are added to initial symptom screening, 10% of cases may be missed. Writing in JAMA, they advocate for face mask use by all healthcare personnel to help prevent transmission from those with mild or no symptoms.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2764953