Pink eye and hair loss are among new signs you’ve had Covid-19

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Just under 2.3 million people have been infected with Covid-19 in the past week — with around one in 25 people in England and one in 15 in London testing positive.

Hundreds of thousands of coronavirus cases are being identified every day and the new Omicron variant is sweeping across the UK.

Some people who catch the virus won't have any symptoms at all, while others will suffer the traditional symptoms such as a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or a change in smell or taste.

However, scientists have warned of other, lesser-known symptoms not many people are aware of, including pink eye or conjunctivitis and even hair loss.

According to Healthline, up to 3% of people with Covid-19 will develop what are known as ophthalmological symptoms — meaning symptoms that affect the eyes.

Covid-19 is believed to enter your cells through receptors for the enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and it’s suspected that the virus can be transmitted through the eyes.

The virus is able to enter as it tricks these receptors into believing it’s actually the ACE2 enzyme instead of SARS-CoV-2.

These ACE2 receptors are found in different parts of the eye, including your retina and epithelial cells which line the white of your eye and eyelid.

Not only can you develop pink eye, but you could also get other eye-related symptoms including dry eyes, swelling, excessive tearing and increased eye secretions.

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The phenomenon is currently being researched and the American Academy of Dermatology Association, which believes this is likely due to sufferers also having had a fever.

It says most people affected see noticeable hair shedding two to three months after having a fever or illness. This hair shedding can last for six to nine months before it stops — but most people then see their hair start to look normal again and stop shedding.

The AAD also says emotional stress can also force more hairs than normal into the shedding phase.

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Meanwhile, scientists have also warned that there is a new symptom to look out for that is directly linked to the Omicron variant.

According to experts, people who have caught the variant have been complaining of a skin rash, which has now been labelled as “key” if you think you might have the Omicron variant.

And to make it worse, there are two of them.

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The first, and more likely to appear, is a hive-like rash, which appears as raised bumps and can be very itchy.

The second rash is a prickly heat-type rash, which appears all over your body, but more commonly on your elbows, knees and the back of your hands and feet.

  • Coronavirus
  • Omicron

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