Pink Eye Could Be a Sign You Have The Coronavirus

(CNN) -- What are the telling signs that you may have the Coronavirus which causes Covid-19?

The main list of acute symptoms at this time is actually quite short and can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus,according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But this novel coronavirus, also called SARS-CoV-2, is just one of many viruses that can cause conjunctivitis, so it came as no real surprise to scientists that this newly discovered virus would do the same.

Still, a pink or red eye could be one more sign that you should call your doctor if you also have other tell-tale symptoms of Covid-19, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.

"We're emphasizing fever plus a notable lower respiratory tract symptom -- cough or trouble breathing," said infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventative medicine and infectious disease at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville.

Being able to identify those symptoms and act upon them when necessary is critical.

Here's what you need to know.

Fever a fever until your temperature reaches at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius) for children and adults.

Cough Coughing is another key symptom, but it's not just any cough, said Schaffner. It should be a dry cough that you feel in your chest.

Difficulty breathing Shortness of breath can be a third -- and very serious -- manifestation of Covid-19, and it can occur on its own, without a cough.

Flu and cold symptoms

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Photo: Getty Images


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