Three years into the coronavirus pandemic, restrictions that were 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 detected in dozens of countries including the United States.

Although for many the covid-19 pandemic is a thing of the past, the new strain of coronavirus brings with it new symptoms worth paying attention to, including “conjunctivitis, or better known as ‘pink eye'” , the department reported. Los Angeles County Public Health.

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

In addition to conjunctivitis, there are other “more traditional symptoms of COVID, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath”. Pink eye can be painful and itchy, highly contagious, and if left untreated can damage the cornea,” the statement read.

Therefore, the health department advised that if you have itchy pink eyes, “this may be a sign that you have covid-19” and not to be confused with spring allergies “especially if a more vulnerable person to serious illness could be exposed.”

Among the recommendations, they ask you to take the home test for the coronavirus, avoid touching your eyes, and stay home if you develop symptoms associated with the coronavirus. Also, if you think you have conjunctivitis, they ask you to see your doctor.

In addition, they assure that the covid-19 vaccine can prevent serious symptoms in the event of contagion.

For more information, visit the Los Angeles County Health Department website.

Categorized in: