COVID-19 Symptoms Continue to Vary

It has been confirmed that at least one COVID-19 variant is in Belize, but which one has still not been determined and the Ministry of Health and Wellness is awaiting results from Baylor College where samples have been sent. There is speculation that it may be the Delta variant. While symptoms associated with COVID-19 were along the lines of a sore throat and loss of taste and smell, a recently circulated post speaks about new symptoms to look out for with the delta variant. Among those symptoms are diarrhoea, long-lasting headache, vomiting and blocked/runny nose. Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa says that even if you have mild symptoms, you can transmit the virus so don’t be afraid to get tested.

Melissa Diaz-Musa

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Deputy Regional Health Manager, Central Health Region

“From the pandemic had started we do know that the symptoms were very similar. Some people had varied symptoms. Some people may have very mild symptoms like a runny nose, loss of taste, loss of smell and some people go on to develop significant symptoms – chest pains, shortness of breath, reduction of oxygen level in the lungs, pneumonia and other things as we know. But at this point, the message we are trying to get out there is don’t assume you are having a little cold or a flu. Please get tested. Don’t look at it as something that is a punishment. Look at it as something that if you are able to be detected early, you can protect your family, you can isolate early and you can get early management which can help you to recover much earlier as well.”