Fever ‘no longer main Covid symptom’ – symptoms to spot as new variants emerge
Eris: New COVID-19 coronavirus variant detailed
Health experts are currently tracking emerging Covid variants, one of which could be called “Pi”.
But one, which has been named Eris, a descendant of the Omicron variant, is currently one of the fastest growing Covid strains globally.
Llinos Connolly, the Clinical Services Sister at Benenden Health, said: “Eris is now the second most prevalent strain of COVID-19 within the UK.”
While a fever was one of the most reported symptoms of Covid at the beginning of the pandemic, Connolly said it’s “no longer the main symptom”.
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Instead, she lists the main symptoms as:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing (with and without phlegm)
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Hoarse voice.
While testing is no longer a requirement, people can still purchase test kits.
After the initial infection of Covid, recovery could continue for up to 12 weeks.
“The virus’ effects can range from a few days up to 12 weeks,” Connolly emphasised.
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“To recover from COVID-19 try to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids,” she added.
“Make sure to take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease those symptoms, if you feel uncomfortable.”
Is it Covid or the flu?
“Seasonal influenza [summer flu] and COVID-19 are caused by different respiratory viruses,” said Connolly.
“Both are contagious and both viruses present in similar symptoms, so you can’t always differentiate between the two viruses without testing.
“The flu is more prevalent from September to March, however while more prevalent in the winter months, you can still catch it all year round.”
Symptoms of flu can include:
- A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headaches
- General aches and pains
- A dry, chesty cough.
Connolly also noted that shortness of breath is commonly associated with Covid and not the flu.
One potential differentiating factor between Covid and the flu is that the latter typically takes a week to recover from.
Whether you have Covid or the flu, if you have an annoying cough, one remedy is to eat some honey.
Connolly explained: “One tip is that if you have a cough, eat a teaspoon of honey and try to sit up or lie on your side.
“If you feel breathless, keep your room cool in temperature and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”
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