BANGKOK (THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A respiratory specialist in Bangkok said hair loss is a new symptom found to be affecting people who have recovered from Covid-19.

However, he said, people should not worry because the hair will stop falling within four months and eventually grow back.

Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, a pulmonologist with Vichaiyut Hospital, said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Sept 1) that many Covid-19 patients began losing their hair two to three months after recovery. The message was posted on his Facebook page "Moh Manoon Leechawengwongs FC".

The doctor explained that this hair loss problem is not directly caused by the coronavirus, but is the consequence of high fever, stress and anxiety.

He cited the case of a 65-year-old woman who recovered from Covid-19 after two weeks in hospital. He said 2½ months after recovery, the woman found herself losing hair in clumps. This continued for about two months.

The woman's daughter, who had also contracted Covid-19, suffered a similar problem but to a lower degree.

Dr Manoon said: "People normally lose approximately 100 strands of hair daily, but after two to three months of recovery, they may lose up to 300 strands per day and this problem may last for six months.

"Most of the hair will gradually grow back and the patient should have a full head of hair within six to nine months. I urge patients not to panic as hair loss will stop in four months, and things will soon return to normal."