New coronavirus symptom as doctors warn 'strange sensation in nose' could be early sign

From a dry cough to a loss of sense of smell, a number of unpleasant symptoms are known to be associated with coronavirus.

Now, scientists have warned of another symptom that could indicate you’ve been infected - a strange sensation in the nose.

Researchers from the University of Barcelona have warned that the nasal sensation could be a key early sign of infection.

In the study, published in medRxiv, the researchers, led by Jordi Navarra, wrote: “The presence of these nasal symptoms, and their early occurrence, could potentially facilitate early diagnosis of COVID-19 and initial social distancing efforts.”

In the study, the researchers surveyed 35 Covid-19 patients about their symptoms.

The results revealed that more than 68% reported at least one nasal symptom, including excessive dryness, and a continual sensation of having had a ‘nasal douche.’

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The researchers said: “The clinical group also experienced ‘a strange sensation in the nose’ and having excessive nasal dryness significantly more often than the control group.

“Fifty-two percent of the patients (but only 3% of the control group) reported a constant sensation of having had a strong nasal douche.”

The nasal symptoms tended to occur alongside the more common symptoms of loss of sense of smell and taste, and lasted for 12 days on average.

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Despite the findings, the UK government currently only lists three main symptoms for coronavirus - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sensation of smell or taste.

The UK government website advises: “The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

“If you develop these symptoms, however mild, or you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, then you should immediately self-isolate stay at home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others, all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.”