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The Omicron variant has sparked fears of potential restrictions amid a sharp rise in the rate of Covid infections.
Now experts are reporting that the new coronavirus variant has different symptoms compared with Delta and other viruses that strike during winter.
There have already been reports of the usual winter bugs appearing in the UK but many Brits are having trouble telling the difference between them and different Covid strains with similarities in the symptoms.
Most people are finding it difficult to tell the difference between a cold, the flu, the Delta variant of coronavirus, or the new Omicron variant, reports the Liverpool Echo.
As case numbers spiral, people are being advised to make sure their colds aren't actually Covid to not accidentally infect anyone else.
Many symptoms overlap between colds, flu and coronavirus but there is a helpful guide to help Brits identify the illness, including how it could affect you and certain stages of you having the vaccine and booster.
Speaking to the Sun. Professor Lawrence Young, virologist and Professor of Molecular Oncology, said the symptoms do overlap but "the onset of a cold is a bit more gradual". With Omicron people get "headaches and fatigue rapidly if they have Covid."
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What are the symptoms of a cold?
According to the NHS, cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:
- a blocked or runny nose
- a sore throat
- headaches
- muscle aches
- coughs
- sneezing
- a raised temperature
- pressure in your ears and face
- loss of taste and smell
The symptoms are the same in adults and children, though symptoms sometimes last longer in children.
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What are the symptoms of the flu?
The NHS says flu symptoms can include:
- a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
What are the main covid symptoms?
According to the NHS, the main coronavirus symptoms are:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should book a free PCR test.
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What are the main Delta symptoms?
According to data from the ZOE app, symptoms vary depending on your vaccination status.
The top five symptoms if you’ve had two vaccinations are:
- headache
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- loss of smell
If you’ve had one vaccine, they are:
- headache
- runny nose
- sore throat
- sneezing
- persistent cough
If you’ve not had the vaccine, the top five symptoms are:
- headache
- sore throat
- runny nose
- fever
- persistent cough
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What are the main Omicron symptoms?
Using the most recent data from London, where Omicron prevalence is higher than other regions of the UK, ZOE data scientists analysed symptom data from positive cases recorded.
The top 5 symptoms were:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Fatigue (mild or severe)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
Loss of appetite and brain fog were also identified as common symptoms.
However, it is recommended that anyone who shows any covid symptoms should take a free PCR, which can be booked here.
- Coronavirus
- Omicron
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