- According to a leading team of researchers, a headache, runny nose, and a sore throat are now the most commonly reported symptoms of Covid-19 infection
- This change appears to be linked to the rise of the Delta variant, which is now dominant in the UK
It is being reported by a leading researcher that the key symptoms of the Delta variant of the Coronavirus, first discovered in India, appear to present 'more like a bad cold' for younger people.
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New data collated by the ZOE COVID study, at King’s College London, show that the most commonly reported symptoms of infection, right now, are:
- headache
- runny nose
- sore throat
- fever
Prof Tim Spector, who leads the study, has said that with the Delta variant, symptoms such as a fever and a cough are less typical than with previous variants. Loss of smell and taste, previously a very common symptom, does now not even feature in the top 10, he said in his weekly update.
'The number one symptom is headache, followed by runny nose, sore throat and fever. Not the old classic symptoms. We don’t see loss of smell in the top ten any more, this variant seems to be working slightly differently.’
He added that the ZOE data shows that most cases are occurring in younger people who have not been yet vaccinated. This comes as health secretary Matt Hancock confirms that 91% of UK cases of Covid-19 are due to the Delta variant.
Prof Spector warned that this change in symptoms could be causing growth, as those infected may not realise that they need to stay home and order a test. 'People might think they've just got some sort of seasonal cold and they still go out to parties and they might spread around to six other people. We think this is fuelling a lot of the problem.
'The message here is that if you are young, you are going to get milder symptoms anyway. It might just feel like a bad cold or some funny "off" feeling – but do stay at home and do get a test.'
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- a high temperature
- Australian teenager runs record-breaking 200m
- This variant seems to be working slightly differently
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below said: ‘Everyone in England, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms, can now access rapid testing twice a week for free, in line with clinical guidance.
‘Experts keep the symptoms of Covid-19 under constant review and anyone experiencing the key symptoms – Australian teenager runs record-breaking 200m, a a high temperature, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should get a PCR test as soon as possible and immediately self-isolate along with their household.’
