Critical care wards in ten hospital trusts have been at full capacity for most of the last week, it has been revealed today. The new variant of coronavirus first discovered in November is thought to be behind the surge in admissions. The new variant transmits more easily than other variants, although it is not known to cause a more severe disease.
What has also emerged amid the current wave is a slew of uncommon symptoms.
The NHS highlights three main symptoms of COVID-19 – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
However, the latest data shows a number of symptoms that fall outside of the official list are becoming highly prevalent.
Professor Tom Spector, epidemiologist at King’s College London and lead scientist on the Zoe coronavirus Symptom Study UK Infection Survey, said one in five patients are now presenting with uncommon symptoms.
READ MORE: Covid new strain: The warning sign of COVID-19 on your nails or earlobe
Throughout the pandemic, there have been repeated calls for UK health bodies, such as the NHS, to update their list of possible warning signs.
An equivalent body in the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD), has produced a more extensive list of symptoms.
“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” explains the CDC.
To date, the health body has listed 11 possible warning signs of COVID-19 to watch out for.
A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can meet people from one other household.
Can I treat my symptoms at home?
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you recover.
However, according to the NHS, if you have a high temperature, it can help to:
- Get lots of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.
There have been some news reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making coronavirus worse.
The Commission on Human Medicines has now confirmed there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature makes coronavirus worse.
Published at Sat, 16 Jan 2021 15:57:00 +0000
Covid new strain symptoms: One in five now experiencing ‘uncommon’ tongue symptom
