Covid cases remain high across the UK, with infections being driven by the highly infectious Omicron BA.2 variant.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that case numbers have started to fall across much of the country, but levels remain at record levels in Wales.
England has seen infections drop for the first time in six weeks, with 3.8 million people likely to have had coronavirus last week, or around one in 14. This is down from 4.1 million the previous week, or one in 13.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have also seen levels fall, but in Wales infections have gone up for the sixth successive week, with 231,900 people estimated to have had coronavirus last week, or one in 13 – up slightly from 230,800, also one in 13.
The ONS has said prevalence of the virus is still high across the country, despite the recent drop in cases, but figures suggest the recent surge may now have passed its peak. Although it is still too soon to know for certain if infections are on a clear downwards trend.
The new figures come after the NHS recently expanded its list of Covid symptoms to include nine more signs of illness, and the government ended free universal coronavirus testing in England.
The updated NHS list expands on the three traditional symptoms of a fever, a new and persistent cough, and a loss or change in taste or smell, to cover the wider array of symptoms linked to the Omicron strain.
Both the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US have had longer symptom lists for some time, while the UK list included just three symptoms for almost two years.
The NHS notes that many of the signs of infection are similar to other illnesses and could easily be mistaken for a common cold or flu.
People are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others if they experience any coronavirus symptoms and have a high temperature, or do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities.
Listed are the 13 of the most commonly reported symptoms of Covid which should not be ignored.
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1. (Composite: Kim Mogg / JPIMedia)
(Composite: Kim Mogg / JPIMedia)
2. Runny nose
By far the most highly reported symptom, particularly following the Omicron outbreak, a runny nose is likely to be a sign of coronavirus infection. Of course it is possible you may just have a cold, but if you feel sniffly it is worth taking a test.
3. Headache
A headache is often one of the earliest signs of Covid-19 infection and now tends to be more common than the ‘classic’ symptoms of a cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell. Researchers have found that people with coronavirus tend to have moderate to severely painful headaches, or feel pulsing or stabbing pains.
4. Fatigue
Extreme tiredness has been linked to Omicron as well as previous Covid-19 strains. It usually lasts between five to eight days and can cause you to feel ‘wiped out’ despite resting or having a good night’s sleep