4 Unusual symptoms of long Covid you should know about

It may feel like we’ve entered a different phase of Covid. Most of us no longer have to wear face masks when we’re out and about, and hopefully, lockdowns are a thing of the past. It doesn’t mean, however, that Covid has gone away, but with vaccines, the infection is milder and hospitals have a better chance of coping. 

Unfortunately, long Covid is a different matter – an estimated 2 million people are still suffering from the condition and this will increase with time. Along with the more well-known signs such as extreme tiredness, brain fog and shortness of breath – there are some unusual symptoms being reported, such as ‘covid tongue’ and nerve pain. Here we take a closer look at long Covid and four unusual symptoms to watch out for. 

What is long Covid?

Most people recover from Covid within a few days or weeks of contracting the virus. However, some find that their symptoms continue, or new ones appear after the initial infection. This can be extreme fatigue or shortness of breath when doing simple activities like walking or mild exercise. Other symptoms, such as brain fog or unusual feelings in different parts of the body, can understandably leave people feeling anxious and debilitated.

The good news is that most people do go on to make a full recovery. Some find it takes them 3-6 months to get back to normal, while others find it takes longer, with symptoms persisting for several months after the initial virus, meaning specialist treatment with a combination of approaches might be needed. 

What are the symptoms of long Covid

Long Covid can be a complicated condition with a multitude of symptoms that are sometimes difficult to diagnose. This uncertainty can itself make life difficult for patients and difficult to treat. The most common symptoms to look out for include: 

• extreme tiredness 
• shortness of breath
• loss of smell
• muscle aches

It’s useful to have as much information as possible about your condition, and according to experts, there are a range of other symptoms including problems with memory and concentration, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping, chest pain and tightness and tinnitus. 

What are the more unusual symptoms of long Covid?

As expertise in long Covid has improved, scientists have found a number of unusual symptoms that weren’t initially thought to be part of the post viral syndrome. These can include one or more of the following: 

Covid Tongue: One of the more unusual symptoms of the virus is ‘Covid Tongue’ a build up of white or yellow fuzz that is difficult to remove, as well as other bumps and ulcers. Lips can also become dry, scaly and sore.  According to infectious disease specialist Dr Peter Chin-Hong, at the University of California, it’s caused by old tongue cells lingering and building on top of one another. The important thing, he reminds people, is to practice good oral hygiene. 

Skin rashes: Different types of rashes which can look like hives or chicken pox can be a sign of Covid as well as long Covid. Viruses are known to cause rashes but for Covid they can be long lasting, varied and recurring. Covid digits - with purple blisters on fingers and toes - are also a specific sign of the infection.  

Dr Veronique Bataille, Consultant Dermatologist here at the Medical Chambers and at St Thomas’s Hospital and King’s College London, says: ‘Many viral infections can affect the skin, so it’s not surprising that we are seeing these rashes in Covid 19’. She adds that it’s important that people know that in some cases a rash may be the only symptom of the disease, so it’s important to get tested as soon as possible if you spot something unusual on your body. You can check out different types of Covid rashes at covidskinsigns.com.

Tingling nerves: If you have been suffering from a pain or tingling in your hands or feet it could be one of the symptoms of long Covid. Peripheral neuropathy, as it is known, can be uncomfortable and persist for many weeks after the initial infection. 

Other viral infections, such as shingles or HIV are also commonly associated with lingering effects on peripheral nerves. It’s thought by experts that an out-of-control immune response is the cause.  

Erectile dysfunction: Some experts have suggested that erectile dysfunction may also be a symptom, due to inflamed blood vessels, triggered by the virus. However, more research is needed for a definitive link with the virus - there may also be other factors at play, including mental health problems triggered by Covid-related stress, as well as poor general health, which in turn exaggerates these other more unusual symptoms. 

What should you do if you think you have long Covid?

You can read more about long Covid in the info provided by the Covid symptom app, here. If you haven’t recovered from a bout of Covid within 4 weeks, or new symptoms have appeared and are impacting your life, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. They may suggest further investigations, such as blood tests, measuring oxygen levels, or a chest x-ray. 

Depending on your results, you may then be referred to a specialist long Covid clinic or to a dedicated online recovery programme. Your doctor can also offer support, with advice on managing the effects of long Covid on your body and mental health, with tips on diet, sleep and getting moving again. 

If you would like to find out more about the condition, or would like to make an appointment with one of our GPs here at the Medical Chambers, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.