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Professor reveals new Covid symptoms to look out for with the Delta variant
The Delta variant brings with it more than just a cough according to new research
A whole host of new symptoms are linked to the Delta variant of Covid-19, according to a researcher.
Professor Tim Spector, who runs the Zoe Covid Symptom Study, has offered a more detailed insight into the side effects of the variant, which was first identified in India and is currently accounting for around 90% of new cases across the country.
He revealed that catching the Delta variant can feel ‘more like a cold’ for younger people and, though they may not feel too unwell, they could still be contagious and be unknowingly putting others at risk.
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As it stands, the classic Covid-19 symptoms to look out for are a cough, a fever and a loss of smell and taste, as per the NHS website.
However, Prof. Spector says these are now less common, based on data that the Zoe study has been producing based on people who have logged their symptoms on an app, with people testing positive for Covid-19 reporting symptoms like headaches, runny noses, achy muscles, sore throats and feeling ‘off’.
He said: “Since the start of May, we have been looking at the top symptoms in the app users – and they are not the same as they were.”
Prof. Spector continued: “This variant seems to be working slightly differently.
“People might think they’ve just got some sort of seasonal cold and they still go out to parties and they might spread it around to six other people.
“We think this is fuelling a lot of the problem.
“The message here is that if you are young, you are going to get milder symptoms anyway.
“It might just feel like a bad cold or some funny ‘off’ feeling – but do stay at home and do get a test.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to host a press conference this evening to discuss plans of easing the remaining lockdown restrictions on ‘freedom day’, June 21st.
Because of the recent surge in cases, there have been several reports of a four-week delay on the easing of these restrictions, meaning that nightclubs and other establishments will have to remain closed.