The five unusual coronavirus symptoms to watch out for

PEOPLE worried about developing symptoms of the coronavirus have been warned to watch for a new persistent cough and fever.

But the virus that has so far killed over 30,000 people in the UK and over a quarter of a million globally also has some other little known symptoms that patients have presented with.

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NHS England advises anyone who thinks they have the virus to call 111, where an operator will be able to discuss symptoms.

Other symptoms that have also become prevalent in patients is the loss of smell or taste, fatigue and a runny nose, as well as tummy problems and diarrhoea.

But what are the more unusual symptoms of Covid-19 and what should you be watching out for?

1. Fizzing sensation or tingling

When your immune system isn’t working properly people often feel different sensations.

Some patients suffering from Covid-19 have reported that they feel a burning, tingling or fizzing.

But experts claim that this is actually a response from the patient’s immune system and not a symptom of Covid-19.

Speaking to Today.com Dr Waleed Javaid said the virus causes a widespread immune response to happen.

The director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York said: “Our immune cells get activated so a lot of chemicals get released throughout our body and that can present or feel like there’s some fizzing. When our immune response is acting up, people can feel different sensations… I have heard of similar experiences in the past with other illnesses”.

2. Covid-toe

One shocking symptom of the virus is the covid-toe which is a rash on toes that resemble chilblains.

It can be found on the side or sole of the foot and in some cases has been seen on hands and fingers. 

The European Journal of Pediatric Dermatology said there had been a “epidemic” of cases in Italy involving children and young adults.

It is a condition that had not previously been linked to the virus.

3. Headaches and dizziness

Even though these symptoms are not common ones of a virus, experts have said it might be a “consequence of the virus”.

In China a study of 214 (36.4 per cent) patients found that over a third had experienced headaches and dizziness.

In patients that had severe Covid infections, this increased to 45.5 per cent. 

Speaking to The Guardian, professor Ian Jones said “neurological complications should be considered as a consequence of the virus”.

4. Pink eye or conjunctivitis

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists has said that in any upper respiratory tract infection, there is a possibility that it could result in viral conjunctivitis. 

They highlighted that this would be a secondary complication in viruses such as the coronavirus.

They added that it seems to be a late feature when this occurs rather than one of the main symptoms.

5. Necrosis or livedo

Livedo is the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply which can lead to a discolouration of the skin.

A Spanish study found that six per cent of 375 coronavirus cases involved the condition.

The skin may appear in a lace like pattern or look mottle and have patchy areas.

The study claimed it was usually found in older patients suffering severe cases of the virus.