The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and the official list has been updated in England. However, it has not yet been extended to the rest of the UK.
The updated guidance lists nine additional symptoms, including muscle pains, diarrhoea and sore throat. Many of these symptoms are very similar to the symptoms associated with cold or flu symptoms.
How can you tell if your body has Covid, a bad virus or another condition?
From the original three, the new Covid symptoms list has been expanded to include more:
This now includes nine additional symptoms that are also common in other respiratory infections:
Official advice states that it is impossible to determine if you have Covid-19, flu, or any other respiratory infection from your symptoms.
These symptoms can be detected and treated to prevent further spread to more vulnerable individuals.
You should stay home if you experience any of these symptoms, plus a high fever or if you are unable to attend school or work.
This was one the key Covid symptoms that were identified in the first two years of pandemic, but it seems to be less common in Omicron infections.
According to the ZOE Covid symptom application, the most common symptoms for people who have had positive Covid tests are runny nose (83%), fatigue (71%), sore neck (69%), headache (69%), and sneezing (68%).
High temperatures are 37.8C and above. This is when the body is fighting any infection, not just coronavirus.
If you don’t have a thermometer you can check to see if you or your loved one feel warm by touching their chest or back.
It is very unlikely that a cold will bring on a high temperature.
You should stay home in England if you experience any of these symptoms, plus a high fever or if you are unable to perform normal activities.
Avoid contact with others, especially those at high risk of becoming seriously ill if they get Covid.
Covid testing is not recommended for people with symptoms. However, if you have positive results, it is a good idea to stay home and not contact anyone for five days.
Although many people will be free from the virus within five days, some individuals may be infected for as long as 10 days.
Patients with symptoms should still be able to undergo a PCR test in Scotland or Northern Ireland, and a lateral flow test in Wales. Anybody who is positive in any of these three countries should be asked to isolate.
People who feel sick after testing in Scotland ends will be advised not to leave the house until they feel better.
It is important to avoid people with weaker immune systems.
After someone has gone, you can still open the windows to your room for 10 minutes.
You can prevent Covid and other viruses by cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles or remote controls.
You can reduce your chances of contracting the infection by not staying at home if you are unable to do so.
Most people who have been vaccinated, including children, are immune to covid infections. They can last up to one week and are mild for most people.
However, there are some groups that are at greater risk of developing Covid or other respiratory infections.
RSV is also a risk to very young children who were prematurely born or have heart problems.
Covid can be treated at home by most people, just like any mild illness. To keep your body hydrated, you should get enough rest and drink plenty of water.
Paracetamol can be used to treat headaches and pains in the muscles, but it won’t help viral infections such as Covid.
You can contact your doctor if you have difficulty breathing or go online to the NHS 111 coronavirus program.
Call 999 if you are concerned about sudden breathlessness.
The NHS advises also:
