Coronavirus symptoms are a clear indicator of whether or not you should be self-isolating, but what are the key signs to look out for? The NHS lists the main symptoms of COVID-19 as a high temperature and a new, continuous cough. But since the start of the pandemic, patients unlucky enough to have had the virus have shared their experiences of different symptoms.

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NHS critical care nurse, Alison Riseley, 54, found herself being admitted into the exact unit she works in after being struck down with coronavirus.

Now on the road to recovery, Alison, who has worked as a critical care nurse at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire for 28 years, has shared her experience of the virus and three more unusual symptoms she encountered.

Alison said she didn’t contract COVID-19 at work as she’d been taking time off.

She told CambridgeshireLive: “I can’t be certain where I caught coronavirus, but I had been off work because of my asthma so it must have been picked up in the community rather than at the hospital.

“I was still going to the pharmacy to pick up essential medication that I needed, so it could have been there – I just don’t know.”

At first, Alison’s symptoms were mild and she was getting by without any real problems.

But her symptoms suddenly became more severe.

Her symptoms included increasing breathlessness and no sense of taste or smell.

She continued: “After seeking medical advice I was taken to my local hospital.”

Alison was tested for COVID-19 and her results came back positive, but with her condition worsening she was transferred to Royal Papworth Hospital where she was given oxygen.

After spending a weekend in the specialist heart and lung hospital’s critical care unit – the same unit she normally works in – Alison was then discharged to a ward to completer her recovery.

She was then allowed home on Friday 17 April.

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Alison explained: “It was so strange when I was told I was being taken to Royal Papworth, yet at the same time extremely comforting because it felt like I was coming home and knew I would be in the best hands.

“One of my colleagues who is also a very good friend came in to look after me to nights in a row, which provided me with a lot of comfort, alongside seeing all the other familiar faces and fantastic nurses, too.

“When you are a nurse you are used to looking after others and it was tough not being able to look after myself, as well as having that added insight into what might be happening and the treatment that I would need.”

Alison added: “I just want to thank all staff for their excellent care and compassion. I am thinking of them all and sending them my love and best wishes.

“Anyone can get this, at any time, so please do stay at home and only leave for essential trips. It’s so important to follow the advice and keep safe.”

What to do if you think you have symptoms of coronavirus

If you suspect symptoms you should avoid going to places like GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals in order to protect others. You should stay at home.

To find out what to do you can use the 111 online coronavirus service. 

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