What the FAQ: COVID Tongue on the rise, what is this rare symptom found in Coronavirus patients?

The number of Coronavirus symptoms have increased with time since the outbreak last year. Recently in the UK, a new symptom has been found in a number of COVID-19 patients. Even with vaccines being administered across the country, new symptoms are still coming being discovered.

Here we explain what the new symptom COVID Tongue is, how to identify it and a lot more.

What is the new COVID-19 symptom called COVID Tongue?
Ans: An epidemiologist from King's College, London recently claimed that there is an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients suffering from uncomfortable mouth symptoms like oral ulcers. This rare symptom has not yet been listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Professor Tim Spector from London stated in one of his tweets that he has seen an increase of this symptom in Coronavirus patients. "One in five people with COVID still present with less common symptoms that don't get on the official PHE (Public Health England) list - such as skin rashes," Spector tweeted. "Seeing increasing numbers of COVID tongues and strange mouth ulcers. If you have a strange symptom or even just headache and fatigue stay at home!" he added.

What happens when you have a COVID Tongue?
Ans: A COVID Tongue causes infection inside the mouth and it could thus be a warning sign of the Coronavirus developing in one's body. COVID Tongue can cause patches and ulcers all across your mouth and a white coating on the tongue. Though the tongue gets back to normal in a week's time, you might have developed other more common symptoms of COVID by then. If you observe something like this happening, you should consult a doctor and get yourself tested.

When should you be worried?
Ans: It may seem harmless initially, but one should be aware of their bodily symptoms over time. For instance, you develop a COVID Tongue along with other signs of the Coronavirus, it is essential to get yourself diagnosed immediately and confirm whether you have contracted the virus or not. You can self isolate in the meantime to contain any further infection.

What to do when you have the symptom or think you might have contracted the virus?
Ans: It is necessary to follow precautionary measures to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. Ensure wearing a mask at all time and maintain social distancing when in a public space. Use hand sanitisers and disinfect frequently touched surfaces to prevent any unnecessary contamination.