Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they?

Answer Section

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms that are less common include digestive trouble, changes in taste or trouble sleeping. Other less common symptoms include a change in the voice, dizziness and sore eyes. COVID-19 also can cause skin changes.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely. Some may become more common over time. Others may become less common. Symptoms may depend on how the virus that causes COVID-19 changes and on the people it infects.

Less common digestive symptoms include:

• Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting.
• Loose stools called diarrhea.
• Belly pain.

Other symptoms that are less common include:

• Loss of taste or a change in how things taste.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Voice changes, such as hoarseness.
• Dizziness.
• Red or irritated eyes.

Skin changes

Skin changes related to COVID-19 may include rashes or discolored, swollen areas. Rashes most often appear on arms, legs or the center of the body, called the torso. A rash may show up while you have other COVID-19 symptoms or up to a month later.

Rashes may be large, flat blotches, or they may be itchy, raised spots or welts called hives. Some people may have small, round, fluid-filled bubbles on the skin. Rashes also may look like a lacy darkening of skin.

Some people, usually teens or young adults, have swelling and darkening of skin on the fingers or toes. This may be called "COVID toes." But some people who have this symptom don't test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers are still studying the cause of these skin changes.

When to get help

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another illness, stay away from other people if you can. Test for COVID-19 and talk with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. Even the less common COVID-19 symptoms can often be managed at home. But some symptoms need emergency care.

Get emergency help right away for any of these symptoms in adults:

• Trouble breathing or catching your breath.
• Skin, lips or nail beds that are pale, gray or blue.
• New confusion.
• Trouble staying awake or waking up.
• Chest pain or pressure that is constant.
• Dehydration.

For children, get emergency help right away for any of the symptoms listed for adults. Also get help right away for any of these symptoms:

• Dizziness when sitting or standing.
• Dry mouth, crying with few or no tears, or less need to urinate, suggesting dehydration.
• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea.
• Fever that doesn't go away.
• Confusion or agitation.

This list doesn't include every emergency symptom. If you or a person you take care of has symptoms that worry you, get help. Tell the healthcare team about a positive test for COVID-19 or symptoms of the illness.