Health authorities have issued a fresh warning to all UK households as Covid-19 symptoms continue to evolve, with particular concern raised about protecting vulnerable groups during the festive season.
How Covid Symptoms Have Changed
According to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report, the list of common Covid-19 symptoms has significantly shifted since the pandemic began in 2020. While flu levels are currently rising in England, they remain within typical seasonal ranges for this time of year.
The virus continues to cause serious illness, especially among vulnerable populations, and is constantly evolving with new variants that spread easily through coughs, sneezes and even normal conversation.
Current symptoms now frequently resemble common colds, including runny nose, sore throat and blocked sinuses. Other sufferers may experience fever or chills, persistent cough, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, or the telltale loss of taste and smell.
Understanding the New Variants
Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, a microbiology lecturer at Teesside University, explains the characteristics of current circulating variants. "Stratus is linked to hoarseness and fatigue, whereas Nimbus is associated with a 'razor-blade' sore throat and digestive symptoms like nausea and bloating," he detailed. "Both are highly transmissible but not more severe than previous variants."
Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical, highlighted the key differences between Covid and common colds. "Both can give you a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing," he said. "However, Covid can also cause fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and that telltale loss of taste or smell – although that's less common with newer variants."
Dr Tang added a crucial distinction: "Covid is also more likely to make you feel wiped out, like you've been hit by a truck, whereas a cold tends to stay in your head and chest."
Transmission Risks and Seasonal Concerns
The transmission methods highlight why continued caution remains necessary. "Both spread mainly through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks near you," explained Dr Tang. "Covid, however, can also spread more easily through the air in tiny particles that linger, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces."
He emphasised the increased transmissibility: "So, while a cold might need a bit of close contact to catch, Covid can sometimes sneak across the room if you're unlucky."
Professor Adam Finn from the University of Bristol added concerns about seasonal patterns. "It looks like flu cases are going up early this year," he observed. "Seasonal epidemics often get going in children first and then spread through the adult population."
With Christmas approaching and increased social mixing expected, health experts are urging households to remain vigilant about the changing symptom profile and consider wearing face masks when experiencing any of the three key symptom categories: respiratory issues, fever and fatigue, or sensory changes like loss of taste.
