Can COVID affect your voice?
Yes, the coronavirus can affect your voice. The vocal folds have angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors which facilitate the entry of the coronavirus into the body. This is the reason why many people undergo voice change following a COVID infection.
Study lists hoarse voice as one of the top symptoms of COVID
As per the latest data from the ZOE Health Study the top 10 symptoms of COVID are sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, cough without phlegm, cough with phlegm, headache, hoarse voice, muscle ache, muscle pain and altered sense of smell.
"We used to report the top 5 symptoms. But over time, we've seen that these change frequently. So, we're now reporting the top 10 symptoms, which remain more stable," it has said.
The study has ranked hoarse voice as the 8th top symptom of COVID seen recently.
What does a COVID induced voice change sound like?
COVID can make your voice hoarse. Medically it is known as dysphonia. This one requires strain on their vocal cords in order to speak.
It is mainly caused due to the inflammation of the voice box or the larynx. This inflammation can be due to irritation or infection.
The prevalence of hoarse voice is not that common.
As per the study, 13% of children, 29% of adults between 16-35 years of age and 32% of adults aged over 35 reported having a hoarse voice during COVID.
As per a 2021 review study vocal changes affected female patients more than male.
What can worsen the voice?
Health experts have said that inflammation of the upper airways, forceful coughing, and recurrent vomiting can damage your voice.
Experts have also said Omicron led COVID infection has more chances of changing the voice as it affects the upper airways. Sore throat is a typical sign of Omicron COVID infection and is also a reason for hoarseness of voice.
Is this typical to COVID?
Hoarseness in voice is not just typical to COVID, it is seen in almost every infection caused by respiratory viruses, especially those which infect upper respiratory tract.
Due to the infection there is inflammation in the vocal folds which requires exerting extra force on them leading to a strain.
It is associated with fever, myalgia, sore throat and a clear nasal discharge.
Is this a strong predictor of COVID?
Due to its association with several infections and the fact that it is a subtle sign, hoarse voice can't be seen as a strong predictor of COVID like fever and headache.
"While it’s not a particularly strong predictor of COVID-19, if you have an unexplained hoarse voice we believe you should get a test just to be sure," reads the ZOE Health Study report.
What other symptoms do you need to watch out for?
If you experience hoarseness in the voice, you should look out for other COVID signs like fever, cough, sore throat or itchy throat, fever and muscle pains.
If these symptoms persist, take a COVID test and isolate yourself until the infection subsides.
The best way to manage COVID is to prevent it.
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