From a high fever to a dry cough, coronavirus is known to cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
But a new case report has revealed that coronavirus can also cause a rare complication, called subacute thyroiditis.
Doctors in Italy have treated a woman for the condition, in what is believed to be the first known case linked to COVID-19.
Subacute thyroiditis is a painful swelling of the thyroid gland that’s thought to be trigged by a viral infection.
Dr Francesco Latrofa, who treated the woman, said: “Physicians should be alerted about the possibility of this additional clinical manifestation related to COVID-19.”
The 18-year-old woman, who is unnamed, had previously tested positive for COVID-19, and full recovered from the disease.
However, following her recovery, she began experiencing neck and thyroid pain, fever and tachycardia.
In A&E, doctors diagnosed her with subacute thyroiditis.
Dr Latrofa said: "Because of the chronological association, SARS-CoV-2 may be considered accountable for the onset of subacute thyroiditis.”
Subacute thyroiditis is most commonly seen in women aged 20 to 50, and usually causes fever and pain in the neck, jaw or ear.
The NHS explained: “These symptoms settle after a few days. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland often follow, lasting weeks or months, before the gland recovers completely.
“However, if symptoms continue to be severe, the thyroid swelling is one-sided (unilateral), and you continue to have a fever and feel unwell, then you may have infectious thyroiditis."
The condition is usually treated with beta-blockers, as well as over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen.
The NHS added: “Occasionally, the condition may recur or the low thyroid hormone levels may be permanent, meaning you'll need long-term thyroid hormone replacement medication.”
