Introduction
If you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath, it’s important to get tested and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. But did you know that certain foods can also be a sign of the virus? If your mouth has any of the following symptoms, you might have COVID-19 and should take extra care to eat the right foods. In this article, we’ll discuss which foods to eat and which to avoid if you think you have COVID-19.
If Your Mouth Has This, You Might Have COVID — Eat This Not That
COVID-19 has been a major health concern for many people around the world. While the virus is known to cause respiratory symptoms, it can also affect the mouth. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have COVID-19 and should seek medical attention.
Sore Throat
One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is a sore throat. This can range from a mild scratchy feeling to a more severe burning sensation. If you have a sore throat that does not go away after a few days, it could be a sign of COVID-19.
Dry Mouth
Another symptom of COVID-19 is a dry mouth. This can be caused by dehydration or a lack of saliva production. If you have a dry mouth, it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. You should also avoid sugary and acidic foods, as these can worsen the dryness.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is another symptom of COVID-19. This can be caused by the virus itself or by the medications used to treat it. If you have bad breath, it is important to brush your teeth regularly and use a tongue scraper to remove any bacteria that may be causing the odor.
Eat This Not That
If you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to eat foods that can help reduce the symptoms. Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, can help reduce inflammation and soreness in the throat. Foods that are high in zinc, such as oysters, can help boost the immune system and fight off the virus. Additionally, foods that are high in probiotics, such as yogurt, can help reduce bad breath.
If you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Eating the right foods can help reduce the symptoms, but it is important to get tested for COVID-19 to ensure that you are not infected.
Because COVID’s symptoms are evolved to become so similar to allergies, the common cold, and the flu, recognizing that you’ve contracted the coronavirus isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. But in many cases, COVID does produce certain telltale symptoms, such as these ones that involve the mouth. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Early in the pandemic, a loss of taste or smell was considered a hallmark symptom of COVID-19. As the virus has evolved, smell or taste loss has become more rare, but it’s still reported, say the scientists behind the COVID Symptom Study.
Rashes and skin changes have been frequently reported since the pandemic’s early days, and those can extend to the tongue. Some doctors have dubbed the phenomenon “COVID tongue,” and it can involve tongue swelling, pain, mouth ulcers, a furry coating that can be white or yellow and can’t be brushed away, or a scalloped (a.k.a “geographic”) tongue.
An exceedingly dry mouth has also been reported as a COVID symptom, according to doctors; in fact, it’s the most common oral-related COVID sign. One study found that 43 percent of people who tested positive for COVID had a dry mouth.
Oral lesions such as canker sores, fever blisters, and oral thrush have also been frequently reported. One study found that more than 20% of COVID patients had oral lesions of some kind. Canker sores and fever blisters tend to surface during times of immune stress; researchers also think the coronavirus may attack cells in the tongue directly.
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- 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
- Diarrhea
Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Michael Martin