7 COVID Symptoms You Might Not Know About
By now, the majority of us are well-aware of the most common symptoms associated with COVID-19—fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, loss of sense of smell and taste. While the majority of symptomatic people infected with the virus experience one or more of these, there is also an abundance of other manifestations that have been reported by people who have recovered from the virus. And, it's likely that a few of them will surprise you.
A survey conducted by Dr. Natalie Lambert of Indiana University School of Medicine and Survivor Corps analyzed the long-term experiences over 1,567 COVID-19 survivors are having with the virus, identifying 98 long-lasting symptoms. Here are the 7 most surprising ones. Read on, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.
Syncope
31 people surveyed reported experiencing syncope, the temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop of blood flow to the brain, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Research published in the journal HeartRhythm Case Reports maintains that the condition may appear before any others — and sometimes even with those who are otherwise asymptomatic. "Recognizing this possibility is of extreme importance, especially in the initial phase of COVID-19 infection," the researchers write.
Herpes, EBV, or Trigeminal Neuralgia
Inflammation as a result of the virus can manifest itself in many ways, including herpes, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and trigeminal neuralgia. Symptoms may include fatigue, inflamed throat, fever, and facial pain. According to the survey, 38 people reported these type of symptoms even after the virus was gone.
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Cracked or Dry Lips
Viruses can often leave the body dehydrated, which can result in dry, cracked lips. In fact, 73 people surveyed reported suffering from it at some point during or after an infection.
Mouth Sores or Tongue Pain
Oral sores and tongue pain can signify many things and COVID is one of them, according to 162 people surveyed. A study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found evidence that these oral mucosal lesions may be associated with COVID-19 patients, who report suffering from them even after their infection is gone.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus or humming in ears can be an irritating and confusing sensation. According to 233 survey respondents, tinnitus can continue long after a COVID infection. This could have to do with the fact that the condition is often associated with stress and anxiety — and also damage to the inner ear or the development of other conditions or diseases — per the American Tinnitus Association.
Floaters
Floaters are basically flashes, specks, or lines of light that float around your field of vision, per UCLA Health. 249 survey respondents reported suffering from this visual symptom following a COVID-19 symptom.
Phantom Smells
While loss of sense of smell and taste is an incredibly common COVID-19 symptom, some survivors are smelling things that aren't actually there. 152 People in the surgery experienced these olfactory hallucinations, commonly caused by upper respiratory infections — like COVID — per the Mayo Clinic. So avoid crowds, social distance, only run essential errands, wash your hands frequently, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
