We know how to pay attention to the most common COVID-19 symptoms: cough, fever, difficulty breathing. But coronavirus has been found to affect almost every part of the body, and the first sign of your infection may be quite obscure (or you might not have coronavirus symptoms absolutely). In fact, a recent study found that several problems can last long after the virus has left you, including irregular menstruation, bad mood, temperature fluctuations and other problems that you may not associate with COVID-19, but you should. Keep reading to discover five rare COVID symptoms that you can miss – and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Clear signs that you’ve had the coronavirus.
You may remember the recent splash of headlines about “COVID toes”, one of the most unusual symptoms of coronavirus. About 20% of people with COVID-19 report skin changes, such as a reddish rash; urticaria; or chickenpox-like rashes. Some people – usually young and previously healthy – have reported rashes on their toes, which can last up to five months.
In some people, coronavirus is accompanied by eye problems, including dry, red or itchy eyes, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), dilated blood vessels, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing and increased secretion. AN study in Ophthalmology JAMA found that almost a third of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reported eye problems.
Coronavirus can attack the inner ear, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, ringing in the ears – even hearing problems. “Researchers are investigating a possible connection between COVID-19 and hearing loss”, AARP reported. “Often, these problems persist even after other symptoms of the disease subside.”
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A study inside The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that a 37-year-old man in San Antonio, Texas, developed testicular pain and swelling three days after being diagnosed with coronavirus. The researchers wrote that “Several genitourinary complications have been reported” with COVID-19, including blood clotting problems that can cause a prolonged and painful erection.
Texas Epidemiologist Dr. Margot Gage spoke to NPR about his own six-month battle with COVID-19, which involved several unusual symptoms. One is sensitivity to the sun. “Going out in the sun for me is really debilitating, “she said.” It’s like I’m allergic to the sun, almost.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here, contact a medical professional. And do everything you can to avoid getting – and spreading – COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars and parties at home), practice social detachment, perform only essential tasks, wash your hands regularly, disinfect frequently touched surfaces and to overcome this pandemic in the healthiest way do not miss these 35 places you’re most likely to reach COVID.