The UK’s Covid rates continue to rise, partly due to the highly infectious Omicron B.2 variant, also known as stealth Omicron.
Other contributing factors could include the easing of coronavirus restrictions in February, and possible waning immunity from the vaccine.
All age groups have been affected, including those aged over 75 who are due a Spring booster jab.
Although those in England are no longer required by law to self isolate, the NHS is recommending people who are infected stay home to avoid spreading the virus.
Here we take a look at the 10 most common symptoms to look out for right now.
What are the most common symptoms of Covid?
Keep in mind that the official list of Covid symptoms, according to the NHS, hasn’t changed.
They are:
- High temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- Loss of smell/taste
However, experts are still urging the government to update them, as many have reported other symptoms.
Professor Tim Spector, who runs the Zoe Covid Study app, has published a list of the most common symptoms of Covid.
They are:
- Runny nose (80%)
- Headache (69%)
- Any fatigue (69%)
- Sore throat (68%)
- Sneezing (67%)
- Persistent cough (51%)
- Hoarse voice (45%)
- Chills or shivers (36%)
- Unusual joint pains (32%)
- Fever (31%)
What to do if you test positive for Covid
If you have symptoms of Covid, you should order a PCR test from the NHS website, or attend a site.
This will change from April, but at the moment this is the advice you should follow.
You are no longer required by law to self-isolate if you have Covid-19.
However, the NHS still recommends you "stay at home and avoid contact with other people" because "this helps reduce the chance of passing Covid-19 on to others".
You should consider staying at home if you "have any of the main symptoms of Covid-19" of if you have "tested positive for Covid-19", which means you have the virus.
Those who "live in the save household as, or have had close contact with, someone who has Covid-19" also no longer need to self isolate.
Who is eligible for Spring Covid booster jab?
As of Monday, March 21, the NHS has started inviting eligible people to come forward for their Spring booster jabs.
Anyone who qualifies can now book their appointment on the NHS website, or by calling 119, which is free from mobile phones and landlines.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has said that the spring booster should be offered to the most vulnerable groups in the UK.
This includes people who are 75 and over, as well as those who are immunosuppressed and over the age of 12.
