Covid-19 infections continue to rise in the run-up to Christmas in England, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS said there is greater uncertainty than usual in the estimates, as well as a longer time lag in reporting the data, due to a low number of Covid-19 test results being received. They said this is “possibly” down to the ongoing postal strikes.
The total number of people in private households in the UK testing positive for coronavirus stood at 1.1 million across the period November 17 to 26. This is up from 972,400 in the week to November 15.
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During the previous wave of infections in early autumn, the total peaked at just over two million in mid-October. This was well below the peaks seen earlier in the year, when infections climbed to nearly four million in July and just under five million in March.
The latest data from the Zoe health study shows which symptoms people with coronavirus are most likely to display.
The top symptoms of Covid have changed frequently throughout the pandemic due to the introduction of vaccines and the emergence of new variants, according to Zoe. The virus that causes Covid-19 is constantly evolving in terms of its ability to spread and the symptoms it causes, experts say.
According to the latest data, from the 30 days before December 5, the top symptoms reported by people who had tested positive for coronavirus were:
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sore throat
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runny nose
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blocked nose
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sneezing
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cough without phlegm
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headache
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cough with phlegm
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hoarse voice
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muscle aches and pains
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altered sense of smell
According to Zoe, people are now much less likely to suffer from some of the more 'traditional' symptoms that experts used as an indicator of Covid-19 during the early days of the pandemic. Loss of smell, shortness of breath and fever are now much less common among people with the virus, it said.
Experts said people with Covid-19 should stay home and rest where possible. Sneezing is a key way that the virus spreads so you should cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow to stop droplets from spreading.
Commenting on the latest infection data, Michelle Bowen, ONS head of health surveillance, said: “Infections have continued to increase across England, increased in Northern Ireland for the first time in a month and the trend in all other UK countries is now uncertain. Across English regions and ages, it is a mixed picture of uncertainty and increases in infection rates, and we will continue to monitor the data carefully over the winter months.”
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist for immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “During the winter, we would expect to see a rise in Covid activity and other winter viruses as people are mixing more indoors again. Covid hospitalisations are highest in the oldest age groups, so it is particularly important that everyone who is eligible continues to come forward to accept their booster jab."
He added: “While Covid-19 and flu can be mild infections for many, we must not forget that they can cause severe illness or even death for those most vulnerable in our communities.”
Last week, Tim Spector, founder of the Zoe study, said Covid rates are "starting to creep back up", but warned that a spike in infections is most likely to occur in the new year. In a YouTube video, the epidemiologist said large gatherings for Black Friday and the World Cup could have contributed to a rise in cases.
"We've had big shopping sprees with Black Friday and people getting together to watch the World Cup, so cases are likely to increase," he said. He added: "I don't see another big peak until next year".
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