Theres yet another COVID variant making its rounds, and its picking up steam.
pink eye) in some people.
It is beginning to displace other versions ofomicron, he tells SELF.
Getty Images/Yuliya Ranchanka
But other variants havent stirred up so many questions abouteye irritation.
What do experts know about the symptoms of Arcturus so far?
The detection of XBB.1.16 was first reported in January, according to theWorld Health Organization(WHO).
XBB.1.16 does have a couple of somewhat distinctive, clinical features, Dr. Schaffner says.
(Clinical features largely refers to things like symptoms and complications, by the way.)
Again, since this variant is new, experts dont have much solid data just yet.
Anecdotally, though, symptoms like pink eye and fever are more common with Arcturus, Dr. Schaffner says.
Allergy-like symptoms, including itchy or watery eyes, have also beenreported, says Dr. Russo.
Wait, why does COVID cause pink eye in some people?
In fact, conjunctivitis has been theonlyCOVID symptom in a small number of people,researchshows.
This is especially true for children, according to theAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology.
This can lead to whats known as viral conjunctivitis, a.k.a.
pink eye, he says.
Heres the thing: There are plenty of other reasons you may develop pink eye.
The conjunctiva can also become infected from bacteria or can be involved in allergic responses, Dr. Zimmerman says.
(Bacterial conjunctivitisis also a thing.)
Eye allergy is especially common during spring and summertime, so it could all be quite confusing.
That said, there are some key clues that youre dealing withCOVID versus allergies.
Plus, these arent hard-and-fast guidelines: Some people with viral pink eye may experience some itchiness too.
Artificial tear drops and cold compresses could soothe the symptoms, he says.
Ideally, you should replace the eye makeup you used before getting the pink eye.
When in doubt, I would take a [COVID] test, Dr. Schaffner notes.
People want to put the pandemic behind them, but COVID hasnt disappeared, Dr. Schaffner says.
Its still out there and spreading.
