The latest pandemic- coronavirus or the COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. As the world still awaits its vaccine it is better to know what it is, how it spreads, and also its common & severe symptoms. The need to know every detail is essential as many people although they have first come to know COVID last December still have doubts and ask questions such as is pink eye a symptom of coronavirus (COVID-19) or what is COVID Toe?
What Is Coronavirus?
coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a novel virus discovered in China. Infected people will go through mild to moderate and at times severe respiratory malfunctioning. Although recovery is possible with proper care and special treatment at times it can be fatal.
Aged people and the ones suffering from pre-existing medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer, and a weak immune system are more prone to develop this illness.
Symptoms Of Coronavirus
It affects people in varied ways. However, the majority of the infected people will have these symptoms from mild to moderate and at times symptoms can also be not present in the infected people.
The symptoms can be classified as the below 3
Most common symptoms
Less common symptoms
- Pains and aches
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
- Loss of smell and taste
- Skin rashes, discolored toes, and fingers
Serious symptoms
- Chest pain or congestion
- Difficulty in breathing or breath shortness
- Inability to speak or move
Seeking immediate medical intervention is very much advised if there are serious symptoms. On average, symptoms outbreak can take 5–6 days while in some it can take about 14 days.
How Is Coronavirus Related To Eyes?
The majority of the patients who have fallen prey to the new coronavirus have been diagnosed with ocular symptoms especially conjunctivitis wherein the membrane that covers the eyeball catches inflammation and turns red. It is even called a “pink eye.” Often, conjunctivitis represents an infected/red, “wet and watering” eye.
Viral conjunctivitis which commonly pops up due to the infections related to the upper respiratory organs may as well be one amongst the symptoms of the Coronavirus.
A very recent study from the hospitals in China that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine said 9 out of 1,099 patients (0.8%) with “conjunctival congestion” or red eyes or infected eyes had tested positive for coronavirus test.
Similarly, research published in The Journal of Medical Virology reported that 1 out of the 30 patients who were hospitalized for the latest pandemic had been diagnosed with conjunctivitis.
These two reports say the occurrence is low but chances should not be taken as contacting eyes can spread the virus.
Is Pink Eye A Symptom Of Coronavirus?
Yes, definitely pink eyes can be a symptom of this pandemic according to researcher Dr. Liang Liang of the ophthalmology department at China Three Gorges University in Yichang.
She said, “Some COVID-19 or coronavirus patients have ocular symptoms, and maybe novel coronaviruses are present in the conjunctival secretions of patients with COVID-19.”
In addition to her sayings, there is also an increased number of cases where COVID-19 leads to pink eyes.
How To Diagnose Coronavirus?
At present diagnosing it is difficult however based on your age, symptoms, and travel history a test may be suggested by a doctor. Below is how at present the COVID-19 diagnosis is being done.
You should get the diagnosis test if you have;
- Hospitalized treatment for fear and breathing problems
- Pre-health conditions like heart attack, diabetes, kidney & lung diseases.
How Is The Test Done?
The test involves swabbing a person’s nose using a skinny swab that’s lengthy enough to touch the nasopharynx, throat’s upper part behind the nose. Though a little uncomfortable it hardly takes a few seconds.
Can Everyone Get A Diagnosis?
At present due to the lack of tool kits and uncertainty in the symptoms the tests are being conducted only for the required based on the approved healthcare professional’s recommendation.
Tips To Prevent The Risk Of Coronavirus
- Wash hands often with water using soap or cleanses them well using an alcohol-based hand wash.
- Maintain a minimum 1-meter distance from person to person.
- Cover using tissue or handkerchief when you sneeze and cough.
- Avoid contacting your face.
- Stay home when in doubt
- Stay off from smoke and pollutants.
- Cover your nose with a mask.
- Exercise.
- Eat healthy and warm foods.
Coronavirus is a typical condition and in the wake of increasing cases and lack of vaccine ensure you’re safe & at home. Instead of wasting time by asking questions like is pink eye a symptom of coronavirus (COVID-19) seek doctor help if you find any of the above symptoms.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
