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Omicron – A quick reminder of symptoms to look out for

Posted on: 31 January 2022

With Plan B restrictions now lifted and the government encouraging those who have been working from home to return to their offices, it is more important than ever to be armed with the facts and to know what symptoms to look out for with the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron. 

Could that stuffy nose or sore throat be the common cold or Coronavirus? Thankfully, the spread of the virus appears to be slowing down, but it remains vitally important that we all take the right precautions to avoid spreading the virus to vulnerable individuals who are less likely to be able to fight its effects. 

A new Covid symptom study from ZOE, [a health science company], which was funded by the government, has identified the top symptoms to look out for, and unsurprisingly, many of the symptoms can easily be mistaken as being from having a cold. 

So, what are the symptoms to look out for? 

Headache

A headache can be one of the earliest signs of Covid, according to the study, and more common than classic symptoms of cough or loss of smell. 

Runny nose

The Zoe study has found that a runny nose is the second most common symptom, after headaches. 

Sneezing

While a symptom, the study says that “it’s not a definitive symptom because sneezing is so common”.

Sore throat 

According to ZOE’s data, almost half of people who are ill with Covid report having a sore throat, although this is more common in adults aged between 18-65 than the elderly or those under 18.

Loss of smell

This continues to be the strongest indicator of Covid infection, regardless of a person’s age, sex or illness severity.

Persistent cough 

A persistent cough is widely agreed to be one of the three main symptoms of Covid but, according to the ZOE study, only around four in 10 people who are ill with the virus will experience this.