The arrival of the Omicron variant in the UK has fuelled Covid-19 case rates, but it’s also had an impact on symptoms.
A high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste have all been recognised as the three main signs of coronavirus infection over the past two years.
However, the Omicron variant is proving to cause different effects and symptoms may instead be confused with a common cold.
A total of 51.3% of people who have new cold-like symptoms are likely to have symptomatic Covid-19, according to the ZOE Covid study, with a runny nose, sore throat or headache among the most common signs of infection.
Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London and the scientist behind the ZOE Covid study app, has warned that people need to be aware of new symptoms that are emerging so they know when to take a test, as the government’s official list has not been updated since spring last year.
In a YouTube video, Prof Spector said: “A lot of the Omicron symptoms, the majority of them are looking like the common cold or some other viral illness, without any of the classic symptoms.
“Unfortunately the government hasn’t yet taken this on board and are one of the only government’s in the world not to tell its citizens what the symptoms are.
“But they are runny nose, headache, sneezing, persistent cough and sore throat. So do keep an eye out for them and try not to infect anyone else.”
If you are unsure of the main symptoms of Covid-19 beyond the ‘classic three’, listed are X of the most common warning signs that you should look out for.
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9. Body aches and pains
Body aches and pains have been reported as a symptom of all Covid-19 strains, with some patients infected with Omicron more recently complaining of lower back pain. This should only last for a few days and will usually occur at the start of the illness. | Shutterstock
10. Nausea
Nausea has recently been reported as a symptom among some Omicron patients, alongside a loss of appetite. This typically occurs in the early stages of infection and is thought to be more common among people who have been double vaccinated and boosted. | Shutterstock
11. Night sweats
This symptom has been reported among people infected with Omicron and occurs when your body sweats so much that your night clothes and bedding are left soaking wet, even though where you are sleeping is cool. | Shutterstock