More than two years after the pandemic began, hundreds of thousands of cases of covid continue to be reported every day worldwide.

With the emergence of new variants, the symptoms of covid have also evolved.

For example, initially, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) considered fever, cough, and loss or change in the sense of smell or taste to be the main symptoms that could indicate a disease.

Now, the recently updated NHS guidance also recommends paying attention to symptoms such as sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and headaches.

But what about some of the more vague signs and symptoms? From skin lesions to hearing loss, emerging data is showing us increasingly that the symptoms of covid can go beyond what one might expect from the common cold or flu.

1. Skin lesions

Skin problems related to Covid are not uncommon. In fact, a UK study published in 2021 found that one in five patients had only a rash and no other symptoms.

Covid can affect the skin in a number of ways. Some people may experience a generalized maculopapular rash (areas of flat or raised, discolored skin), while others may experience hives (raised areas of itchy skin).

The so-called “covid toes” describe red, swollen or blistered skin lesions on the toes. This symptom is more common in adolescents or young adults who are mild or asymptomatic.

Most skin lesions caused by Covid tend to go away after a few days, or in some cases a few weeks, without the need for any special treatment.

However, if the skin is very itchy or sore, you can consult a general practitioner or dermatologist who can recommend a treatment such as applying a cream.

2. covid quotes

During an infection involving SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes covid-19), our body naturally tries to express that it is under unusual stress.

You can do this in a variety of weird and wonderful ways, including with our nails. “Covid Nails” includes changes such as:

• Beau’s Lines: Horizontal indentations that form at the base of fingernails or toenails when there is a temporary interruption in nail growth due to physical stress on the body.
• Leukonychia striatum: These are horizontal white lines that appear on the nails, although they can be caused by abnormal protein production in the nail bed.
• A red crescent pattern that develops at the base of the nails (the mechanism underlying this change is unclear).

Data on how many people experience these nail problems are limited, but it is estimated to be up to 1-2% of covid patients.

Covid nails tend to appear within days or weeks after a covid infection as nails grow. While it can be painful at first, the vast majority of nails tend to return to normal within a few weeks.

These changes can be a sign of covid, or they can be caused by different reasons. For example, Beau’s lines may be secondary to chemotherapy or another infection.

3. Hair loss

Hair loss is perhaps an under-understood symptom of covid-19 that typically occurs a month or more after acute infection.

In a study of nearly 6,000 people with Covid, hair loss was the most common post-Covid symptom, reported by 48% of participants.

It was especially common in people with severe covid and white women.

This is thought to be because hair “senses” stress in the body, leading to excessive hair loss.

In fact, hair loss can also be triggered by other stressful events such as childbirth. The good news is that over time, hair grows normally.

4. Hearing loss and tinnitus (or tinnitus)

As with other viral infections such as the flu and measles, covid has been found to affect cells in the inner ear, sometimes with hearing loss or tinnitus (a constant ringing sensation in the ear) following infection.

In a study of 560 people, hearing loss was reported in 3.1% of covid patients, while tinnitus occurred in 4.5% of cases.

In a study of 30 people who were diagnosed with covid and 30 who were not, researchers found that covid was associated with damage to the inner ear, causing hearing problems at higher frequencies.

While this resolves on its own for the vast majority of patients, cases of permanent hearing loss related to covid have been reported.

Why do these symptoms occur?

We do not understand exactly what causes these symptoms, but we do know that the most important role is played by a process called inflammation.

Inflammation is our body’s natural defense mechanism against pathogens; In this case, SARS-CoV-2. It involves the production of “cytokines” (also called cytokines), which are proteins that are important in controlling the activity of immune cells.

Overproduction of these proteins as part of the inflammation triggered by the Covid infection can cause sensory deficits, which may explain why some people experience hearing loss and tinnitus.

It can also disrupt the network of capillaries, the very small blood vessels that supply blood to organs, including the ears, skin, and nails.

The symptoms we describe here are not unique to covid infection. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, it would be appropriate to consider getting tested for covid, especially if you are in an area where you are roaming.

You can also contact your doctor, especially if the symptoms worsen or cause you serious discomfort. At the same time, rest assured that many of these symptoms will improve over time.