An aggressive strain of Covid which is now the dominant form of the respiratory virus is throwing up two new symptoms as more people report contracting the disease.
While we are now all well versed on the common runny nose and dry cough symptoms associated with the virus, two lesser-known symptoms are being reported. They could be a good indication as to whether you are suffering from the new strain.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have already warned the JN.1 strain is flourishing in the UK, the US, Iceland, Portugal and Spain. Experts have added that it is also spreading rapidly through France, China and India, reports the Mirror.
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Health officials are still learning more about the latest variant but there are fears it could become a serious health issue, as the NHS struggles to cope with the usual seasonal illnesses and demands bad weather and the winter can have on the service.
The Office for National Statistics has now shared some new symptoms that are being reported, alongside the typical runny noses, coughs, and weakness. The two new symptoms being reported by people who have tested positive include trouble sleeping and anxiety as well.
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In the most recent update of the Winter Coronavirus Infection Study, it said: “There has been an increase in prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in England and Scotland during the two weeks leading up to 13 December 2023.”
It added there were fewer people reporting a lack of taste and smell. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, previously warned JN.1 could become more prevalent as time goes on.
He told Prevention.com : “There is some data that suggest JN.1’s parent BA.2.86 may be more transmissible than previous variants. Since JN.1 is a derivative of BA.2.86, there is a concern that it may be more transmissible. The updated vaccine is closer to JN.1 than our old vaccine, the hope is that, even if we see more cases with JN.1, the updated vaccine will protect against severe disease.”
Millions of people at risk of becoming seriously ill are yet to have had their flu or Covid vaccine, it was reported last month. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged Brits to “get winter strong” following expectations that flu and Covid-19 infections will rise this season. UKHSA has teamed up with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to encourage the most vulnerable to take up the offer.
It has been reported 11.7million people in England have been given the flu jab, while 8.6million have received a Covid booster. However, there are still millions of eligible adults who haven’t taken the injections, such as pregnant women, those with health conditions and kids aged 2 and 3.
Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best protection. I urge all those eligible to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong. Don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”
Full list of reported symptoms
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Runny nose
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Cough
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Headache
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Weakness or tiredness
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Muscle ache
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Sore throat
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Trouble sleeping
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Worry or anxiety.
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