Know the variant of Covid-19 that can be confused with conjunctivitis

the variant arctururs has been seen in Brazil since the middle of April this year. Unlike the other variants of the virus, the actururs presented symptoms different from the previous ones; causing conjunctivitis in carriers of this variant. Children are the main affected in this strain.

How to know if your conjunctivitis was caused by Covid-19 or not?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or irritation of the conjunctiva, part of the eye, and is caused by irritants near the eye. Already the “conjunctivitis” caused by arcturus it is one of the symptoms of the virus in the body of the clinical patient.

In an interview for Earth, Doctor Pedro Antonio Nogueira Filho explained the difference between reactions caused by common conjunctivitis and that caused by the new variant of Covid-19.

The ophthalmologist said that among the symptoms of conjunctivitis are: ocular discomfort, blurred vision, tearing, itchy eyes, burning and in some cases, ear pain.

In the variant of the coronavirus, the symptoms are the same as in conjunctivitis, but there are others that may differ from the eye infection of Covid-19.

_{Patient with ocular conjunctivitis. (Photo: Reproduction/Dr. Taise Tognon)}

According to doctor Pedro Antônio, the variant has other characteristics similar to other previous variants, such as Omicron.

This similarity can ‘help’ patients to perceive and understand which type of conjunctivitis may be. Common symptoms are cough, pain, fatigue, fever and nasal discharge.

In this way, it is possible to differentiate conjunctivitis due to inflammation and conjunctivitis caused by the subvariant Arcturus.

To avoid the new variant virus, also avoid agglomerations and take care of personal hygiene in public places, if possible, use a protective mask.

With regard to infectious conjunctivitis, attention must be paid to exposure to substances that may cause allergy or eye irritation; always keeping away from dust, cleaning products and makeup. Hand hygiene is essential to prevent inflammation.

Featured photo: Man with conjunctivitis. Reproduction/Santa Maria Institute of Medicine