More than two years into the pandemic, lots of of 1000's Covid cases Every day is recorded around the globe.
With the addition of recent strains, the symptoms of COVID have also evolved. Initially, the NHS reported fever, cough, and loss or change within the sense of smell or taste Important symptoms which can indicate a COVID infection. Now, recently updated. NHS guidance Also suggests in search of symptoms including sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and headache.
But what about a number of the more obscure signs and symptoms? From skin lesions to hearing loss, emerging data is increasingly showing us that the symptoms of COVID will be more severe than what you would possibly expect from a daily cold or flu.
1. Skin lesions
Skin complaints related to COVID should not unusual. Actually, one A UK study A study published in 2021 found that one in five patients had only a rash and no other symptoms.
COVID can affect the skin in alternative ways. Some people may experience a widespread maculopapular rash (flat or raised areas of itchy skin), while others may experience hives (raised areas of itchy skin).
“COVID MondayMeanwhile, it describes red, swollen, or blistered skin lesions on the toes. This symptom is more commonly seen in adolescents or young adults with mild or no symptoms.
Most COVID skin lesions go away after a number of days, or in some cases a number of weeks, without the necessity for special treatment. If the skin may be very itchy or painful though, you'll be able to seek the advice of a GP or dermatologist, who may recommend treatments reminiscent of creams.
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2. COVID nails
During an infection, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), our bodies naturally try to indicate that they're under unusual stress. They can do that in quite a lot of strange ways, including our nails. “Covid nails” include changes reminiscent of:
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Bio lines. – Horizontal indentations that occur at the bottom of fingernails or toenails when physical stress on the body causes a brief interruption of nail growth.
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Mess lines. – Horizontal white lines that appear on the nails are regarded as attributable to abnormal protein production within the nail bed.
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a Red half moon pattern which develops at the bottom of the nails (the mechanism underlying this modification is unclear).
There is restricted data on how many individuals experience COVID-19, however it is estimated that it could occur. By 1-2% of COVID patients.
COVID nails appear within the days or even weeks after a COVID infection because the nails grow. Although they might be painful initially, the bulk return to normal inside a number of weeks.
In particular, while these changes may indicate COVID, they may also be attributable to various things. For example, bay lines could also be secondary to chemotherapy or one other infection.
3. Hair loss
Hair loss could also be a minor symptom of COVID-19, normally occurring a month or so after acute infection. In one study of nearly 6,000 individuals who had previously had Covid, there was hair loss. Very common Post-Covid symptoms, reported by 48% of participants. This was especially common amongst those that had severe COVID and white women.
This is assumed to lead to the hair “sensing” the stress within the body, causing more hair to fall out. In fact, hair loss may also be triggered by other stressful events, reminiscent of childbirth. gave good news This is how the hair grows back to normal over time.
4. Hearing loss and tinnitus
As with the opposite Viral infectionLike the flu and measles, COVID has been found to affect the cells of the inner ear, with hearing loss or tinnitus (a relentless ringing sensation within the ear) sometimes following infection.
In a ___ Review the study In a study involving 560 participants, 3.1 percent of Covid patients had hearing loss, while 4.5 percent had tinnitus.
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I A study In 30 of the 30 individuals who had been diagnosed with COVID, and 30 who hadn't – who didn't have pre-existing hearing problems – the researchers found that COVID was related to inner ear damage that The cause was hearing impairment at high frequencies. While it resolves by itself for nearly all of patients, cases of Permanent hearing loss It has been reported to be linked to COVID.
Why all these symptoms?
We don't understand exactly what causes these symptoms, but we do know that a significant part is played by a process called inflammation. Inflammation is our body's natural defense mechanism against pathogens. In this case SARS-CoV-2. This involves the production of “cytokines” – proteins which are vital in controlling the activity of immune cells.
Overproduction of those proteins, as a part of the inflammation attributable to covid infection, could cause this. Sensory deficiency, which likely explains why some people present with hearing loss and tinnitus. It can even disrupt capillary networks, the tiny blood vessels that provide blood to organs including the ears, skin and nails.
The symptoms we have now described here should not exclusive to COVID infection. That said, for those who experience any of those symptoms, it might be price considering a Covid test, especially for those who're in an area where COVID is circulating.
You can even contact your GP, especially if symptoms are getting worse or you might be in significant pain. At the identical time, you'll be able to rest assured that the majority of those symptoms will likely improve over time.