Covid infections have fallen in the UK for the first time in two months, but prevalence of the virus still remains high, new figures show.
A total of 3.2 million people are estimated to have had Covid in the week to 20 July, down 16% from 3.8 million the previous week, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It marks the first time that total infections have dropped since late-May and is the biggest indication so far that the current wave may have peaked.
The recent surge in infections has been driven by the Omicron BA.5 subvariant, which is not the dominant Covid strain in the UK.
Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the ZOE Covid Health Study, has said that twice as many people currently have coronavirus compared to the common cold, and warned that symptoms should not be quickly dismissed.
He said: “You are now twice as likely if you have any cold-like symptoms to have Covid than to have any other type of virus. And we haven’t seen this, really, ever before.
“So it’s important to realise that and assume you’ve probably got Covid. Try and get a test if you can.
“If you can’t, or as we are hearing anecdotes of people saying that their tests have been negative the first few days, probably best to assume you’ve got it and stay away from other people.
Prof Spector has also previously hit out at the NHS for failing to update its official symptoms list for almost two years, and while the wider array of symptoms is now reflected on the health services’ guidance, he said it still places too much emphasis on fever and loss of smell or taste.
He notes that symptoms being reported on the ZOE app “shows a very different story”, with cold and flu-like symptoms being much more common.
And while most people who contract Covid will experience cold-like symptoms, other more unusual side effects have been reported, including some that can last for several weeks. Listed are eight of the less common signs of coronavirus you should look out for.
5. Hearing loss
A Stanford University study last year found the Omicron variant can sometimes cause ear problems, including severe earache, ear numbness and temporary hearing loss in some patients. Hearing loss can persist after the infection has passed in some cases, and can affect those who are fully vaccinated. | motortion - stock.adobe.com
6. Sudden confusion (delirium)
Delirium is a more severe form of confusion and is typically more common among elderly people who have Covid, especially those who are frail. Hyperactive delirium can cause people to become agitated, distressed and aggressive, while hypoactive delirium can cause people to become withdrawn and less responsive. | Shutterstock
7. Skin rashes
Hives (urticaria), ‘prickly heat’ (erythematous-papular rash) and a chicken pox-type rash (erythematous-vesicular) have been linked with Covid infection and can cause the skin to appear red and bumpy. | Shutterstock
8. Croaky or hoarse voice
People infected with Omicron have reported developing a hoarse or croaky voice before starting to feel unwell. Studies have found there is a connection between Covid and vocal cord mobility, with the infection increasing the risk of vocal cord paralysis due to peripheral nerve damage. This is often an early sign of infection and will typically give way to a sore throat. | Shutterstock