Coronavirus: Red eyes or conjunctivitis may be a sign, claims nurse

The coronavirus has become a global concern ever since it broke out in China in 2019. As cases rise, a nurse claims that there may be another condition that may indicate the presence of the disease.

Express reports that a nurse from Kirkland, Washington, Chelsey Earnest, revealed a possible new symptom of coronavirus. Earnest reported that red eyes or conjunctivitis may indicate the presence of COVID19. Speaking to CNN, Earnest, who has been treating patients at the epicenter, explained what she observed among the patients she was helping treat. “The white part of the eye is not red. It’s more like they have red eyeshadow on the outside of their eyes...We’ve had patients that just had the red eyes as the only symptom that we saw and go to the hospital and passed away,” said Earnest.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to list this as a symptom, but an infection in the eyes could cause conjunctivitis, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology.

From the observation, it appears that those who are infected with coronavirus have bloodshot eyes as if they are experiencing an allergic reaction. Experts say more research is needed to understand why a patient with coronavirus may have red or bloodshot eyes. However, patients who suffer from conjunctivitis may also have symptoms that are very similar to the coronavirus.

Nevertheless, health authorities advise constant hand washing and for those who are treating patients with coronavirus to keep their eyes, nose, and mouth protected. Disinfecting with hand sanitizers as well as constant disinfecting of items that are often touched are also advised.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the fear and worry surrounding the coronavirus, a breakthrough has been made amongst scientists towards the cure for the pandemic. A new report reveals that scientists found that the vaccine that could be used to treat the condition may be long-lasting.

A study conducted by researchers in Italy found that the strain of the coronavirus or COVID19 does not mutate quickly. This means that the vaccine that would be developed for the virus to prevent people from getting infected should be effective across the board over a long period of time.