Red, gritty or sticky eyes could be a lesser-known symptom of the XFG Covid strain — dubbed 'American Covid' — as cases rise across the UK this winter, a pharmacist has warned.
UKHSA figures published on October 15 showed test positivity had jumped from 7.6% to 8.4% in just one week, with thousands across the UK falling ill.
Conjunctivitis as a Covid sign
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."
What to watch for
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.
