At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us knew the main symptoms.
A new cough, loss of smell and fatigue were all symptoms of infection.
However, the emergence of new variants and a further spread of the disease make us aware of a wide diversity of other potential symptoms.
Since this summer, two new Covid variants have been detected in the UK: the Eris and Priola variants.
These have been linked to an upcoming surge in infections in the region.
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One expert spoke to Express. co. uk about these variants and the less common symptoms to look out for.
Dr Phil Green, GP at Tower Health, explained that the new can lead to the old Covid symptoms we are used to seeing.
“At this time, there is no evidence to recommend that the Eris and Pirola strains of Covid have unique new symptoms distinct from the same old COVID-19 symptoms,” he said.
“The most common symptoms of these strains, as well as other strains, are fever, persistent cough, fatigue, muscle discomfort, nasal congestion, taste and/or smell disturbances, and sore throat. “
However, there are “rare” infection symptoms to look out for.
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Dr. Green has learned of six symptoms that are being detected.
He said: “Although not similar to the Eris and Pirola strains, some rare symptoms of COVID-19 include rashes, Covid feet (reddish or purplish discoloration of the hands or feet), conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes), confusion, dizziness. and even loss of consciousness.
“However, they are very rare. If you experience any of those symptoms, the most productive thing to do is to consult a healthcare professional.
These symptoms are indexed as Covid symptoms through various fitness organizations.
The ZOE Health study, which tracks Covid symptoms in the UK, warned that “characteristic rashes and ‘COVID fingers and toes’ should be considered key diagnostic symptoms of the disease. “
One study, published in the Qatar Medical Journal in 2021, found that in some “rare” cases, conjunctivitis would possibly be the only sign of Covid.
“Conjunctivitis would possibly be the only sign and symptom of COVID-19 in some patients,” he says.
“Therefore, healthcare professionals, especially ophthalmologists, want to take precautions when treating patients with conjunctivitis in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. “
Confusion among Covid patients is known as “brain fog”, which NHS Inform describes as poor concentration, feeling confused and slower-than-usual thinking.
“People tend to have brain fog,” they say.
Your Covid Recovery, a programme run by the NHS, warns that dizziness caused by Covid can present as “a spinning sensation or an unusual sensation of movement, known as vertigo” or dizziness.
And John Hopkins Medicine cites loss of consciousness as one of the tactics Covid can use on the brain.
Dr. Green added, “If you have any of the above symptoms of COVID-19, you should isolate to prevent transmission, get tested, and seek medical attention.
“Follow local fitness rules, and if severe symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. “
Although self-isolation is no longer mandatory, the NHS advises staying at home and avoiding contact with other people for five days if you have symptoms and/or test positive for Covid.