During this point of the long, drawn-out period of the pandemic, most of us are well aware of the more common symptoms of the Covid-19 infection. We know to get tested if we have throat pain, persistent cough, fever, fatigue, and even an inability to taste.
However, those aren’t the only symptoms. A small amount of the population can also be beset by some of the more unusual symptoms when developing the infection. While strange symptoms in some capacity accompany most kinds of flu, we are still a long way to discovering why this is so for the novel coronavirus. Still, it can only help to be aware of them – just in case.
1. Covid toes
Children are more likely to acquire COVID toes – which occurs when one or more fingers or toes may swell or become discoloured. Additionally, the hands, wrists, or ankles may be impacted. There may be pimples, itching, rough skin, or blisters, and a tiny amount of pus could form under the skin. The symptoms may linger for months or just 10 to 14 days.
Chilblains, an inflammatory skin disorder, could be the cause of the swelling and discoloured fingers or toes. Prolonged exposure to cold air can result in the development of chilblains.
2. Confusion
In elderly individuals, severe confusion (delirium) may be the single or primary sign of COVID-19. The probability of adverse outcomes, including fatality, is highly associated with this COVID-19 symptom.
Brain fog is thought to be brought on by the body’s immune reaction to a virus or by inflammation in the blood vessels and nerves that supply the brain, though the exact cause is yet unknown to science. The body’s response to the infection is also the cause of hallucinations and delirium.
3. Vocal cord neuropathy
You may have vocal cord neuropathy if your vocal cord nerves are not functioning properly. This is frequently a side effect of upper respiratory infections, resulting in hoarseness or speech difficulties, shortness of breath or difficulties swallowing. This is primarily caused by an inflamed vagus nerve that isn’t functioning correctly. The vagus nerve controls reflex behaviours like coughing, sneezing, and swallowing as well as heart rate, respiratory, and respiratory rate, and breathing. Vocal cord neuropathy symptoms are sometimes mistaken for asthmatic symptoms at first, particularly after infection, but they frequently don’t get better with inhalers.
4. Hairy tongue
Before the development of Covid-19, doctors observed that people with hairy tongues reached this stage because of smoking, poor oral hygiene, viral infections, or antibiotic use. In fact, it occurs more frequently than people realise.
Fortunately, people with hairy tongues can use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove those tongue cells. They should also be sure to maintain appropriate dental hygiene to avoid further build-up.
5. Eye problems
Conjunctivitis or pink eye might be a sign of COVID-19. According to research, COVID-19 is most frequently associated with light sensitivity, aching eyes, and itchy eyes. Hence, those with the virus are much more likely to feel the effects in their eyes.
Conclusion
COVID-19 symptoms and signs may start to manifest 2-14 days after exposure, the seriousness of these symptoms ranging from modest to severe. While it’s not necessary to panic if you have one of these strange COVID symptoms, you should let your doctor know as soon as possible if it interferes with your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
This is made a lot easier through the MYCLNQ app, which allows you to consult a doctor online and take a tele ART test in Singapore at your convenience. Contact us today to learn more.