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Key 'less-obvious' symptoms as XFG American Covid spreads in UK
Key Points
Need to know Key 'less-obvious' symptoms as XFG American Covid spreads in UK Pharmacist Noel Wicks has explained the signs that people might be less familiar with Covid and eye symptoms - what you need to know - As COVID-19 cases rise this winter with the spread of the XFG strain — dubbed 'American Covid' — a pharmacist has warned that red, gritty or sticky eyes could be a lesser-known symptom of the virus. - UKHSA figures published on October 15 showed test positivity had jumped from 7.6%...
Need to know
Key 'less-obvious' symptoms as XFG American Covid spreads in UK
Pharmacist Noel Wicks has explained the signs that people might be less familiar with
Covid and eye symptoms - what you need to know
- As COVID-19 cases rise this winter with the spread of the XFG strain — dubbed 'American Covid' — a pharmacist has warned that red, gritty or sticky eyes could be a lesser-known symptom of the virus.
- UKHSA figures published on October 15 showed test positivity had jumped from 7.6% to 8.4% in just one week, as thousands across the UK fell ill.
- Pharmacist Noel Wicks, an adviser to GoldenEye, warned: "Conjunctivitis can be the first and/or the only symptom of COVID", with clinical studies showing it occurs in up to 14% of those who test positive.
- A meta-analysis of 6,308 people found eye symptoms in around 11% of Covid sufferers, with conjunctivitis accounting for 88.8% of cases — and Wicks cautioned that winter conditions create "a perfect storm for conjunctivitis."
- Early signs to watch for include the whites of the eyes turning pink, gritty or itchy eyes, and a white or yellow discharge — all of which should be treated promptly.
READ THE FULL STORY: 'Less-obvious symptoms' as American Covid strain spreads across UK