By now, we have come to recognize the common symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and loss of taste or smell.

As the pandemic has waged on, several other less publicized symptoms may present themselves. In addition to the safety precautions we’ve been practicing for over a year, it’s equally important to understand these “mysterious” symptoms as a means of mitigating risk exposure.

“There have been viruses that have been devastating like smallpox, but from the point of view of viruses in general, COVID-19 has been the worst. We’re not used to seeing a virus cause such a multitude of issues,” says Dr. Robert E. Sterling, who has been practicing medicine for over 30 years in CT in the areas of Family Practice, Addiction Medicine, and Occupational Medicine.

Uncommon COVID-19 Symptoms 

According to the Mayo Clinic, a few of these “mysterious” COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 
• Skin changes including a flat, red rash covered with small bumps, discolored areas on the fingers and toes (COVID toes), hives, blisters, itchiness, rough skin and pain. COVID toes seem to be more common in children and young adults
• Eye problems such as the pink eye (conjunctivitis), light sensitivity, sore eyes and itchy eyes

In addition to the other uncommon COVID-19 symptoms, confusion and delirium (more so in older people) are something the medical community is paying close attention to. 

“With post-COVID brain fog, we are seeing the cascade result of the body’s natural immune response to the virus or inflammation throughout the nervous system and blood vessels that lead to the brain. In short, the brain cells are being attacked and physiology is being altered,” explained Dr. Sterling. “We are still learning about this virus and its effect on humans, however, the brain fog might prove to be the most worrisome and long-lasting,” he continued. 

Studies show that around 1 in 5 coronavirus long-haulers – those with symptoms lasting weeks or even months – still felt brain fog six months after their initial infection.

“It’s very interesting. We’re going to see a bunch of chronic diseases such as chronic pain syndrome and other neurological symptoms emerge from COVID-19, as well as seeing many patients in need of psychiatric, neurological, pulmonary, and cardiac care,” said Dr. Sterling.

A recent study found that 72% of coronavirus survivors who’d been diagnosed with brain disorders or damage first received those diagnoses within six months of their COVID-19 infection.

To limit risk and to have a full understanding of your health, it’s important to be aware of the uncommon COVID-19 symptoms.  

A PCR or antibody test can confirm whether or not a “mysterious” symptom indicates a current or past COVID diagnosis.

Keeping Our Community Safe and Contributing Financially 

With several patient service centers throughout Fairfield County, Progressive Diagnostics makes it easier than ever to get tested and receive results quickly. We also see the impact that COVID-19 has had on all of us, so we contribute a portion of all testing proceeds to local mental health and addiction treatment programs. 

We offer same-day results for PCR and antibody tests if tested by 12 pm, and next-day results if tested after 12 pm.*

If you’re experiencing or have experienced an uncommon COVID-19 symptom, call your doctor and click here to book your appointment and find out your status today.

*Turnaround times are average and are not a guarantee.

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Scheduling an appointment has never been easier. Click here to book an appointment for your teen so that they can fully enjoy these important moments in their lives.

*Turnaround times are on average and are not a guarantee.