Blue-coloured skin can signal severe Covid infection

Deaths from lockdown may exceed those from Covid says expert

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Since the start of the Covid pandemic, people have reported a wide range of symptoms. Some of these reflect the impact the disease has on our respiratory system – with difficulty breathing a frequently recorded sign. This can even extend so far as to have an effect on our appearance.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having “blue-coloured skin” is one symptom of Covid.

It lists this as an “emergency warning sign,” and urges to “seek emergency medical attention” if you or someone you know displays this symptom.

The skin tone is also described as “pale” or “grey” and can affect the lips and nail beds as well.

Having blue skin is usually caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood, and is known as cyanosis.

Medlineplus, which is provided by the United States National Library of Medicine, explains: “Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

“Most of the time, nearly all red blood cells in the arteries carry a full supply of oxygen.

“These blood cells are bright red and the skin is pinkish or red.

“Blood that has lost its oxygen is dark bluish-red.

“People whose blood is low in oxygen tend to have a bluish colour to their skin. This condition is called cyanosis.

“Depending on the cause, cyanosis may develop suddenly, along with shortness of breath and other symptoms.

“Cyanosis that is caused by long-term heart or lung problems may develop slowly.

“Symptoms may be present, but are often not severe.”

Other “emergency warning signs” of Covid that require immediate attention include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake.

More common signs of Covid, as listed by the CDC, are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea.

“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” it says.

“Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.”

It comes as the NHS is urging eligible people to come forward for another Covid booster jab this autumn, as cases rise.

You are eligible if:

  • You’re over 65 years old
  • You’re living in residential care homes for older adults
  • You’re over the age of five and have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk of severe COVID-19
  • You’re a frontline health or social worker.

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