New potential coronavirus symptoms recently brought to light

Multiple news outlets are now reporting more potential symptoms of coronavirus not previously outlined in official statements. The most recognized symptoms of coronavirus have been shortness of breath, high fever and a persistent cough. Of course, there has also been a spectrum of symptoms with some infected patients having no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) and others having far more serious problems like pneumonia.

Conjunctivitis

On Sunday, March 22, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warned its members that conjunctivitis (red or pink eyes) was appearing in many coronavirus case reports. The Academy went on to recommend that coronavirus carers, whether professional or at home, should make every effort to protect their eyes with goggles to prevent the spread of the virus into their eyes from droplets. In a CNN article from March 23, nurses from the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington state discussed how red eyes always seemed to be a symptom in the most severe cases of patients who had coronavirus.

Loss of taste and smell

Additional reports that came out on Monday advised people that a decrease or loss of taste (hypogeusia/ageusia) and smell (hyposmia /anosmia) might also occur in infected people whether they have symptoms or not.

As of early morning Tuesday, March 24, the Centers for Disease Control had not yet updated its Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Symptoms & Testing page to reflect these new warnings and accounts. The World Health Organization is still investigating. Yet, members of the public are being advised by multiple medical experts, agencies and organizations to consider these potential symptoms when evaluating possible coronavirus infection.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/health/coronavirus-nurses-inside-washington-care-home/index.html

https://www.aao.org/headline/alert-important-coronavirus-context

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell-taste.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/03/23/coronavirus-sense-of-smell/