I know the news might seem dark and grim right now as COVID-10 coronavirus cases rise, and the tragic toll of this infection grows.
But we’re also learning more every day about how to spot it in its earliest stages.
And the more we discover about the virus, the BETTER our chances are against it.
Because while there’s no single proven treatment that works for everyone yet, we DO know that spotting the symptoms faster and getting medical advice sooner can save lives.
Taking the right action at the right time could mean the difference between a quicker at-home recovery or a trip to the ICU. Plus, the sooner folks know they should be self-isolating, the faster we stop the spread.
Now researchers say we can add one more symptom to the list. And in some cases, it could be one of the earliest warning signs yet.
And spotting it could be as simple as looking in the mirror.
When it comes to COVID-19 the EYES might have it
Remember pink eye? We all had it as kids.
As adults, pink eye is less common… but not unheard of. And much like coronavirus, it spreads so fast that when one person in a home gets it, it’s often not long before EVERYONE has it.
Well, now researchers say it could also be a sign of something a whole lot worse than an irritating eye condition. It could be your first warning sign of a COVID-19 infection.
A study out of China found that nearly one in four patients with coronavirus also had conjunctivitis, aka pink eye, and that the COVID-19 virus was present inside their eye fluids.
It’s more proof you can get infected by touching your eyes. And a red flag that you can quickly spread the virus by rubbing your eyes, then touching something else.
2 steps to help you stay infection-free
Don’t have pink eye? And NO signs of infection at all? Count your blessings and keep it that way.
First, if you wear contacts, you might want to stick to glasses for now.
It’s not that your lenses will have the infection. But sticking your fingers in your eyes a couple of times a day could expose you if you’ve been in contact with the virus (or any other germ).
If you have to wear contacts, then wash your hands like you’re about to perform surgery.
Soap up every finger, between each of your fingers, the backs of your hands, your wrists, and under the nails. And scrub for AT LEAST 20 seconds under warm water (which you should be doing anyway).
And second, follow the rules of social distancing as much as humanly possible and then some. Keep inside as much as you can. Avoid stores if possible. Order everything and anything you can online to limit or even eliminate the need to go out.
It’s easier than ever before in most parts of the country to get everything from your groceries to your meds delivered. And keeping in tune with the times, most retailers and delivery services now offer “contact-free” delivery, where they drop stuff off, and you DON’T come to the door until after they’ve gone.
Search online for the options around you or call your local stores to find out more about what services they now offer.
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