A pharmacist has explained signs that you might not associate with the virus
While a cough, fever or sore throat might immediately suggest COVID-19, a pharmacist has warned that less obvious symptoms such as red, gritty or sticky eyes could also be significant as coronavirus cases surge heading into winter. This comes as thousands across the UK are being struck down by the dominant strain of Covid, XFG, nicknamed American Covid following its rapid spread throughout the USA.
Although the variant has been known about since last year, it has now become the prevalent strain in multiple countries. Noel Wicks, a pharmacist and adviser to GoldenEye, warned: “The COVID-19 virus can enter the body through our eyes where it may cause symptoms.”
The alert follows the latest UKHSA data published on October 15, which revealed COVID-19 test positivity had climbed from 7.6% to 8.4% within a single week.
Research backs up symptom
Mr Wicks said: “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.
“The COVID virus can get into several body organs including the throat and lungs, as well as the eye’s surface and eyelids. When a droplet containing the virus lands on the surface of the eye, the virus likely travels from the eye surface into the internal cavity of the eye reaching the retina at the back of the eye.”
Eye problems confirmed
Mr Wicks said: “A super study involving 6,308 people estimated that eye symptoms were found in approximately 11% of Covid sufferers, with the most frequent being cited as conjunctivitis (88.8%). In the same meta-analysis, dry eye or foreign body sensation (16%), eye redness (13.3%), tearing (12.8%), and itching (12.6%) were among the most frequent symptoms reported.
“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 signs to be aware of
Mr Wicks said: “Early symptoms of conjunctivitis (red eye) include the white of the eye turning pink, sore and inflamed eyelids, gritty itchy eyes and a white or yellow discharge coming from the eyes. These symptoms need to be tackled very quickly.
“A pharmacist can advise whether a pharmacy treatment may be suitable. For example, Golden Eye Eye Drops help to soothe and treat sore, red eyes – it contains propamidine isethionate (not antibiotics), which works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection.
“Make sure to keep your eyes clean by washing them gently with a clean flannel to remove any crusts. Don’t rub your eyes as this can transfer infection from your hands to your eyes. Remove contact lenses and don’t wear eye makeup until the infection is better.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
