The #1 COVID Symptom More People Should Be Talking About
COVID has so many symptoms it's hard to keep track of them all. While there's several common ones everyone knows about like sore throat, fever, fatigue, cough, and other flu-like symptoms, there's others that aren't talked about as much. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with doctors who have been treating patients since the early days of the pandemic who explained unique COVID signs to watch out for and what to know about the virus right now. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Skin Discoloration of the Toes/ COVID Toes
Dr. Thomas Gut, D.O., Associate Chair of Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital shares, " This is generally seen in severe COVID cases. Likely caused by a blood flow and clotting abnormality that COVID can trigger. Uncommon with Omicron and later variants." Dr. Vivek Cherian, a Chicago based Internal Medicine Physician adds, "COVID toes, which are more commonly seen in children, is a skin condition. This is a type of skin condition that is associated with swelling, blister-like bumps or discoloration of the toes and/or fingers as well as swelling or blisters."
Palpitations
Dr. Gut says, "palpitations can be a warning sign of cardiac damage. However, generally not serious and do improve with healing time and stress reduction."
According to John Hopkins Medicine, "After you have had COVID-19, if you are experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations you should contact your doctor. A temporary increase in heart rate can be caused by a lot of different things, including dehydration. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you have a fever. Symptoms of a rapid or irregular heart rhythm may include:
–Feeling your heart beat rapidly or irregularly in your chest (palpitations)
–Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially upon standing
–Chest discomfort."
Brain Fog
Dr. Gut explains, brain fog is "a common finding in Long COVID Syndrome. It does usually improve with time but can be improved with specific neurocognitive therapies."
Hair Loss
Dr. Cherian shares, "Hair loss can occur even several months after a COVID infection. The theory for why this is because of overstimulation of hair follicles during an active infection and ultimately leads to shedding phase post-infection."
Hoarseness or Swallowing Difficulties
Dr. Cherian explains, "Hoarseness or swallowing issues can occur as well with the thought being a COVID infection can lead to an irritation of the nerves nerves of the vocal tract."
Pink eye, Itchy Eyes or Light Sensitivity
Pink eye can happen with COVID patients and Dr. Cherian says, "The reason for this is that COVID enters our cells through receptors for the ACE2 enzyme which can be found in various parts of our eyes among other places such as the heart, kidney and lungs."
What to Know About COVID Right Now
According to Dr. Cherian, "The BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron accounts for over half of new U.S. coronavirus cases, and is now the dominant strain in this country. Its rapid growth is attributed at least in part to its mutations for the spike protein on the virus's surface, which are not found in BA.1. BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1, the good news is that it has not been shown to cause more severe illness and vaccines continue to offer a high degree of protection from severe disease, and even more so if you've had a booster."
How to Stay Safe Out There
Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
