Coronavirus: Symptoms and signs that are linked to COVID, but are rarely held accountable

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, many signs and symptoms have come to fore. While many have been categorised as the common signs like headache, fever and sore throat, many others like loss of smell and taste were distinct to only a particular type of variant of the coronavirus.

Research studies have found several other uncommon symptoms of a COVID infection which calls for more attention towards COVID. These signs need to be detected early and the health issues associated with them should be addressed as early as possible.

Read: Coronavirus symptoms to note according to your vaccination status

COVID infection's impact on the skin is not new. As per a UK study one in five patients get skin related issues following a COVID infection.

As per studies, a typical COVID induced skin infection would look like flat and raised discolored skin. In some cases it may also look like itchy hives.

"According to a Spanish research, skin eruption related to coronavirus is categorized into five types including ‘maculpapuar’ rash, or one that is typical of viral infections such as measles, with red bumps on reddish skin, a hives related ‘urticaria’ rash, a lace like or fishnet pattern ‘livedo’ rash, a ‘vesicular eruption’ or blistering rash and frostbite like a rash on toes, unofficially dubbed ‘covid toes’," says a 2020 research study.

How many of you have thought of checking toenails following a COVID infection? None, for sure. A disease of the respiratory tract is unlikely to affect nails, is what many of us would think.

Our body has strange ways to react to an infection. One such reaction of the body to COVID infection is reflected on the nails.

Studies have found that COVID nails are characterised by indentations due to interruption in nail growth, and abnormal production of proteins in nail bed. Some people also see a half moon pattern on the nail.

"COVID nails tend to appear in the days or weeks following COVID infection as the nails grow. Although they might be painful initially, the vast majority tend to return to normal over a few weeks," says a report.

Now, there can be several reasons behind hair loss. Therefore, it is likely that people will overlook its link with COVID.

Stress, pollution, unhealthy diet, and use of external chemicals and appliances account for hair loss.

As per a study, hair loss is seen in close to 50% people after COVID. The study based on 6,000 people also found that the occurrence of hair loss was higher in people who had severe COVID.

Of late, tinnitus and hearing loss is being thoroughly studied for its connection with COVID. Though its occurrence is less, the fraction of population which are affected by it, as established by research studies, calls for extra attention towards this sign.

People who did not have hearing issues prior to COVID infection, experienced problems following the infection.