COVID, Your Mouth & Your Eyes: The Weird (but Real) Symptoms No One Warned You About
When COVID comes knocking, it doesn’t just stop at your lungs. For many, it wreaks havoc in unexpected places—your mouth and eyes. From viral reactivations (hello, Herpes) to immune overreactions (MCAS, anyone?), the symptoms can be as confusing as they are frustrating. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down with science, empathy, and just a touch of humor.
1. COVID and Oral Changes: More Than Just a Sore Throat
Dry Mouth (Cotton Mouth, But Not the Fun Kind)
Looks Like: A parched, desert-like feeling that makes you feel like you’ve swallowed a pillow. Sticky mouth, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing? Yep.
What’s Happening: COVID can disrupt salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva. Less saliva means fewer natural defenses against bacteria, increasing the risk of bad breath, gum issues, and even cavities.
Analogy: Think of your mouth as a tiny rainforest. Saliva is the rain that keeps everything lush. When COVID strikes, it’s like a drought—everything gets dry, and nothing thrives. Sjögren’s folks, you already know the drill!
Mouth Ulcers (Herpes Reactivation, Or Just the Virus Being a Jerk)
Looks Like: Painful sores on your gums, tongue, or cheeks that make eating and talking feel like a battle.
What’s Happening: Your immune system goes into overdrive post-COVID, sometimes triggering old viruses like Herpes Simplex (cold sores). It’s like your immune system got distracted, and your viral ex took advantage to reappear—uninvited, of course.
Analogy: Imagine you’re hosting a peaceful dinner, and suddenly, an ex (Herpes) crashes the party, making things awkward. Thanks, immune system!
Strange Taste & COVID Tongue
Looks Like: A weird metallic, bitter, or “off” taste, and sometimes a coated or swollen tongue.
What’s Happening: COVID affects the microbiome, nerve signaling, and immune response, leading to changes in taste and texture.
Analogy: Your taste buds are like party planners for your mouth. When COVID arrives, they panic, cancel all catering, and leave you with the taste equivalent of disappointment.
2. COVID and Eye Changes: Your Vision Gets a Little Dramatic
Red, Irritated Eyes (The Classic “COVID Conjunctivitis”)
Looks Like: Red, itchy, watery eyes that make you look like you’ve been crying over a Netflix drama.
What’s Happening: COVID can cause inflammation in the blood vessels of the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis (pink eye), blurry vision, or light sensitivity.
Analogy: Your eyes are like security guards. When COVID rolls in, they get overworked, bloodshot, and irritated—kind of like pulling an all-nighter with no coffee.
Dry Eyes (More Than Just Staring at Screens)
Looks Like: Gritty, irritated eyes that feel like they need a constant refresh.
What’s Happening: COVID can mess with tear production, making your eyes feel desert-dry. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and sensitivity.
Analogy: Your eyes are windshield wipers keeping your vision clear. COVID is like an unexpected storm that leaves your wipers malfunctioning—streaky, ineffective, and frustrating.
Blurry Vision and Sensitivity to Light (The Drama Continues)
Looks Like: Everything looks foggy, and bright lights feel like an interrogation room.
What’s Happening: COVID-related inflammation affects blood flow to the eyes, disrupting focus and light sensitivity.
Analogy: Your eyes suddenly start acting like that one friend who insists on wearing sunglasses indoors—dramatic, but not entirely without reason.
3. MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): The Immune System’s Overreaction
What’s Happening: Sometimes, COVID triggers Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), where immune cells overreact, causing rashes, swelling, and oral/eye irritation.
Analogy: Imagine your immune system is a highly trained guard dog. Normally, it protects you. But after COVID, it starts barking at everything—squirrels, the postman, even its own shadow.
What Can You Do About It?
While these symptoms are usually temporary, they can be frustrating. Here’s what might help:
✅ Antiviral Medication: If Herpes is reactivated, meds like acyclovir can help. ✅ Steroid Eye Drops: Can calm inflammation and dryness. ✅ Saliva Substitutes: Hydration is key, but special rinses can also help. ✅ Antihistamines & Mast Cell Stabilizers: Useful if MCAS is in play.
Final Thoughts
Post-COVID symptoms can be weird, annoying, and sometimes downright bizarre. But knowing why they happen can make them less scary. If your mouth or eyes are acting up, you’re not alone—many are dealing with these post-viral surprises.
In the meantime, keep those water bottles handy, invest in some good eye drops, and maybe prepare for the occasional uninvited viral “guest.” Stay informed, stay hydrated, and hang in there!
Disclaimer: Not medical advice! Always check with your doctor, preferably one familiar with post-viral syndromes.
Long Covid Journey 