Coronavirus and cold symptoms outlined by Dr Amir
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Yesterday a further 8,044 cases were reported across the UK, although the actual number of cases currently circulating is estimated to be far higher. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting on Monday, Boris Johnson said he was following the data “hour by hour” and warned that tighter rules could be brought in if necessary. Amid this precarious situation, there is much confusion over whether cold-like symptoms are a sign of Omicron or in fact a regular cold.
The growing consensus amongst experts is that there is no easy way to distinguish between the two as Omicron appears to produce many cold-like symptoms.
However, virologist and Professor of Molecular Oncology, Professor Lawrence Young pointed out a distinct characteristic of Omicron that may offer clues.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “There does seem to be an overlap with cold symptoms and there is an estimation from data from ZOE that a quarter of people who have colds actually have Covid.
“They do overlap but it seems that the onset of a cold is a bit more gradual. But with Omicron people get headaches and fatigue rapidly if they have Covid.”
How does Omicron compare with Delta?
ZOE data scientists analysed symptom data from positive cases recorded in the ZOE Covid study and compared with data from early October when Delta was dominant.
The ZOE Covid study pools together and analyses submissions from millions of users in the ZOE app, a portal for logging symptoms of Covid.
The analysis found no clear difference in the symptom profile of Delta and Omicron, with only 50 percent of people experiencing the classic three symptoms of fever, cough, or loss of sense of smell or taste.
The top five symptoms in both periods were:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Fatigue (mild or severe)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat.
Contributor reports also identified loss of appetite and brain fog as common symptoms.
These findings line up with a small batch of data from contributors who reported that their positive PCR results were suspected or confirmed Omicron infections.
“This may come as a surprise to some, as the UK government never updated guidance on COVID symptoms beyond the classic three symptoms,” said the ZOE scientists.
Many months ago, the ZOE Covid study helped to identify over 20, mostly mild, cold-like symptoms.
How to protect yourself this Christmas
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19.
However, the UK Health Security Agency has warned that two vaccine doses may not be enough to protect against Omicron.
Research has shown that getting a booster provides much better protection, so health experts advise getting a third jab if you are eligible.
“Family gatherings will undoubtedly increase risk, especially for older and more vulnerable family members who haven’t yet had their third vaccine dose,” warns Professor Tim Spector, who heads up the ZOE study.
He added: “Saving Christmas is up to us all, so make sure you get boosted now.”
The booster campaign is moving at breakneck speed – more than 900,000 COVID booster jabs were given out across the UK on Saturday.
People aged 18 years and over, and those aged 16 years and over who are at risk (including health and social care workers) are eligible to receive a booster dose of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
You can book online or call 119 to make an appointment to have your booster.
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