Changing Covid symptoms to look out for as infection rates soar

As coronavirus infections rates begin to increase across the UK, including all boroughs in Greater Manchester, many people are reporting symptoms not commonly associated with the virus. The NHS states there are three main symptoms of coronavirus that people should look out for; a high temperature, a new and continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. But, some of the most recent commonly reported symptoms are more indicative of a common cold or flu than coronavirus.

The ZOE COVID study which independently collects and examines coronavirus data has stated that the five most common symptoms reported don't include any of those listed on the NHS. In fact, it has stated that a loss of smell and taste has become much less common, ranking 17 in the most reported symptoms.

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According to ZOE, the top 5 most reported symptoms of Covid are:

Findings were confirmed by analyzing data from a small group of contributors who had been informed by the government that their positive PCR results were suspected or confirmed Omicron infections. ZOE also helped to previously identify over 20 mostly mild cold-like symptoms in those infected with Covid.

Changes in symptoms could also be linked to the emergence of the new Deltacron variant which is currently being monitored by health chiefs. But, according to the NHS, Deltacron symptoms so far seem to be the same as the regular Covid symptoms reported during the pandemic.

Despite this, not enough research has been done on the new variant to categorise the symptoms it causes as well as its severity. Soumya Swaminathan, the chief scientist at the World Health Organization, tweeted on Tuesday: