Pharmacist shares not-so-obvious symptom in your eye of American Covid as cases surge among Brits
While symptoms such as a cough, fever and sore throat are widely recognised signs of Covid, there’s another lesser-known symptom that could affect your eyes.
A new dominant Covid strain, XFG, has been dubbed ‘American Covid’ due to its rapid spread across the US. Although the variant first emerged last year, it has since become the dominant strain in several countries.
Cases are also being reported in the UK, with infections expected to rise as winter approaches. Now, people are being urged to look out for lesser-known symptoms that could easily be missed.
The warning comes as the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures, published on October 15, showed that Covid test positivity had risen from 7.6 percent to 8.4 percent in a week. The figures highlight the continued circulation of the virus in the UK as colder weather approaches, with people being urged to remain alert to potential symptoms, including less familiar signs.
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While Covid is primarily spread through respiratory particles, the virus can also enter the body through the eyes. Eye-related symptoms, including irritation and conjunctivitis, have also been reported in some people with the infection. Experts say that the eyes are an often overlooked (pardon the pun) indicator of Covid, with certain symptoms potentially signalling an infection.
Pharmacist Noel Wicks told The Mirror: “Clinical studies have demonstrated that conjunctivitis (red eye) is present in people who test positive for coronavirus, with rates of conjunctivitis ranging from 2% to over 14%, even if people don’t have any other COVID symptoms.
“In fact, conjunctivitis can be the first and/or the only symptom of COVID. A scientific review involving 20 studies and 3,383 people confirmed conjunctivitis as the most common COVID-related eye condition.”
He added: “In addition to the possibility of Covid-generated eye symptoms, conjunctivitis usually strikes when a person’s immune system is low, so if you catch Covid, you may be more susceptible to conjunctivitis too. Over the winter, winter conditions and poor immune function together with rising COVID cases creates a perfect storm for conjunctivitis."
Early symptoms of conjunctivitis includes the white of eye turning pink, sore eyelids, gritty or itchy eyes and a white or yellow discharge coming from the eyes. Wicks warns that these symptoms must be addressed quickly.
Furthermore, anyone who suspects they have conjunctivitis should take steps to ease their symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.
The NHS recommends gently cleaning the eyelids with cotton wool soaked in cooled, boiled water to remove any crusts, while holding a cool, clean flannel against the eyes can help soothe irritation.
It is also important to avoid rubbing the eyes, wash hands regularly and refrain from sharing towels or pillows, as conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Contact lens wearers should stop using their lenses until their eyes have recovered.
A pharmacist can offer advice on managing symptoms and whether treatments such as eye drops may help. Most cases of conjunctivitis clear up within a couple of weeks without treatment.
However, anyone experiencing eye pain, sensitivity to light, changes in vision or intense redness should seek urgent medical advice through their GP or NHS 111, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition.
Anyone who suspects they have Covid should take steps to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of passing the virus on to others. The NHS advises people with symptoms to take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as symptoms develop and seek advice promptly if the result is positive. Stay at home and avoid contact with others until you feel better.
Greg Harris