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.’

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.