Covid-19 is one of the viruses that have gained worldwide notoriety as a respiratory virus that may cause difficulty breathing, fever, and coughing. These are not the only symptoms that have been linked with this virus; some individuals affected by covid-19 have shown different symptoms such as diarrhea, lesions, nausea, delirium, and more. Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena, a physician and director of excellent health, has stated that “respiratory symptoms are some of the most common effects, obviously, but some cases soon have symptoms involving other organ systems.”
As we learn more about this virus and its primary symptoms, many researchers and doctors discover various uncommon and unusual symptoms. From vomiting to lesions to diarrhea And deadly blood clots, covid-19 is not just some respiratory infection, but it can be a full-body illness. Listed below are some of the unusual covid-19 symptoms that you can miss.
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Loss Of Smell And Taste
In May 2020, the CDC added “loss of taste and smell” as a new symptom to the list of covid-19 symptoms. When the scientists and researchers of the University of California studied the response of 59 individuals suffering from covid-19, the report stated that about two-thirds of them had reported a loss of smell and taste as an initial symptom.
The loss of smell or taste may also be caused by other health conditions, such as single allergies or the flu. Whereas, in some cases, these sensory changes may be a symptom of covid-19. Recent research has indicated that this symptom can be one of the most vital coronavirus infection indicators.
Diarrhea, Vomiting, Or Nausea
Diarrhea and other digestive complaints have not been added to the CDC’s list of covid-19 symptoms yet. However, some researchers have suggested gastrointestinal distress to be a relatively common symptom in some individuals affected by covid-19. A new study was published by Stanford medicine reviewed the medical reports of 116 individuals who are tested positive for coronavirus. The report stated that nearly one-third of these patients had digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and appetite loss.
Doctors and researchers believe that these symptoms are caused by the direct attack on the virus’s GT tract cells. It might also be the effect of the body’s fight against infection.
Lesions, Hives, or Rash
When a specific dermatologist in Italy assessed about 88 individuals who tested positive for coronavirus, reports found that about 20% of them had skin symptoms. These skin symptoms include widespread hives, red rash, and chickenpox-like lesions all over the body.
In an interview with Healthline, Dr. Robert Glatter, one of the emergency physicians at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC, stated that “Patients suffering from covid-19 can suffer from skin lesions on their toes or feet or rash that might look like skin infections at first.” He also said, “many of these red rashes represent bleeding in the skin, extremities, or superficial clotting.”
Doctors have coined the symptom as “COVID toes” as it appears on the feet, but it can also appear on the hands in some cases.
Muscle Weakness, Dizziness, Or Delirium
Delirium, confusion, and some other neurological symptoms have been observed in some of the covid-19 cases reported in JAMA Neurology research. Some mild neurological symptoms, like headache, loss of smell or taste, muscle weakness, dizziness, may appear as initial symptoms of the virus. More severe symptoms can develop in an individual later on.
In an interview with Healthline, Dr. Robert said that “I have seen certain cases where patients showed some altered mental status or confusion.” He also added, “Some patients have developed brain inflammation requiring admission during neurologic monitoring.”
The problem is that these symptoms can often be dismissed or overlooked as dementia is prevalent among older adults. Fortunately, these neurological symptoms can diminish as the virus subsides.
Cardiovascular Complications
Early reports have suggested that covid-19 can increase the risk of abnormal and dangerous blood clotting. Blood clots start forming in the small blood vessels in various extremities or feet, leading to minor skin symptoms. When blood clots occur in the brain, heart, or lungs, it can cause severe health conditions or issues, such as strokes, heart attack, or embolism.
Dr. Maxine Dexter, a critical care specialist and pulmonary at Kaiser Permanente, stated in an interview with Healthline, “Blood clotting, in general, can cause some significant issues.” She also said, “There are some cases where patients are presenting with a heart attack and stroke symptoms caused by Covid-19.”
Researchers and doctors have found that it can cause a heart infection called myocarditis if the virus enters your heart. Myocarditis can cause abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain and can even cause heart failure. If you are experiencing swelling, redness, or pain in an area, there are chances it could be because of a blood clot. Sudden numbness, dizziness, or confusion in the legs, arms, or face can be a sign of strokes. If you are experiencing any of such symptoms, make sure you call 911 immediately or head to the emergency room for a medical check-up.
Conclusion
Covid-19 is a severe respiratory illness, especially in individuals above 60 years of age and those suffering from chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues and diabetes. SARS- CoV-2 can cause some adverse effects on other organs like the brain, kidney, and heart, which can significantly impact their health after the virus subsides.
Some experts and researchers believe that being admitted to hospitals’ intensive medical care units can cause post-intensive cat syndrome, which can cause cognitive impairment and harm physical abilities. Also, the covid-19 virus can, in fact, a part of your brain involved in circulation and breathing with unknown consequences.
