As cases of COVID-19 in Dallas County continue to rise, public health is taking some time to remind people what the primary symptoms of the virus are.

Dallas County Health Department Health Navigator Ann Cochran says the most common symptoms are similar to influenza, such as coughing, fever, and fatigue. However, Cochran notes there are a few signs that are specific of coronavirus. “A couple of oddball symptoms that many individuals report is a very sudden loss of the sense of taste or the sense of smell. And those things you may not associate with a virus, but that’s what a lot of people are reporting. Most people who have hay fever, or if you have another kind of flu, you might have a decrease in sense of smell or taste. But this is a real sudden onset and it goes beyond just the fact that your nose isn’t working so well.”

Cochran says the most concerning symptom of COVID-19 is a sudden shortness of breath, which can be accompanied by bluish coloring in your lips. When displaying those signs, a person should call 911 immediately for emergency care. To learn more about COVID-19 and the current status of the pandemic, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.