A new type of Covid-19 has different symptoms, including a type of eye disease – NBC Los Angeles

Three years after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, restrictions imposed during the public health emergency have been lifted in the United States.

However, the virus is still present, and mutations continue. The new variant called Arcturus XBB.1.16 has already been spotted in dozens of countries including the United States.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is a thing of the past, the new strain of the coronavirus brings with it new symptoms to watch out for, including “conjunctivitis, or commonly known as ‘pink eye,'” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported. for public health.

Despite only three confirmed cases in Los Angeles, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that XBB.1.16 currently accounts for 8% of COVID-19 cases in California and 10% nationwide,” according to the release.

Added to conjunctivitis are “other classic symptoms of COVID, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Pinkeye can be painful, itchy, highly contagious and if left untreated can damage the cornea.”

Therefore, the Department of Health has advised that if you have itchy pink eyes, “it could be a sign that you have COVID-19” and it should not be confused with spring allergies “especially if there is a person who is more likely to have a serious illness who could be exposed to it.”

Among the recommendations they ask are home testing for coronavirus, avoiding touching your eyes and staying home if you develop symptoms associated with coronavirus. Also, if you think you have conjunctivitis, they tell you to see your doctor.

In addition, they ensure that the covid-19 vaccine can prevent severe symptoms in the case of infection.

For more information visit page Los Angeles County Health Department.