The Covid variant TA.1 now accounts for 25% to 30% of all sequenced cases in the UK, and experts are warning that a burning sore throat is among the key symptoms to watch for, as it is often mistaken for a winter bug.
More than 800 people died with coronavirus in the most recently analysed week, a rise of 24.6% from the previous week. Almost one third of all Covid cases in the UK are those of the variant TA.1, first identified in June. This variant, dubbed "American Covid," can pass for a cold, flu, tonsillitis, a stomach bug or winter tiredness, doctors say.
Why Symptoms Are Often Misread
A burning sore throat, for example, is a prime symptom of those complaints and the new mutation. One doctor has said it has become virtually impossible to determine which virus is responsible. Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: "Covid hasn't gone away. It has just become harder to spot. Most people now have some immunity from vaccines or past infections. So symptoms are often milder and look like everyday winter bugs. With colds, flu and Covid all circulating at once, guessing isn't a good strategy."
The number of patients admitted to hospital with Covid also climbed by 33.5% to 1,168 in the most recently analysed week. Some of these cases, it is said, began with patients experiencing tiredness, aches and/or a temperature, in addition to cold-like symptoms.
Key Symptoms and How to Respond
Dr Grant outlined the key symptoms, stating: "A blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing and a scratchy throat are classic cold signs. They're also very common with Covid now. That's exactly why so many cases slip under the radar. If your 'cold' comes with unusual tiredness, aches or a temperature, take a test. Do it before you head into work or visit older relatives."
He added: "Flu and Covid share fever, chills, body aches, headaches and a dry cough. Flu tends to hit suddenly, often within hours. Covid can build more gradually over a day or two. But the overlap is huge. You can't reliably tell them apart by symptoms alone. Combined tests for both are available from pharmacies. If you're in a higher risk group, knowing which virus you have matters. Some treatments work best when started early."
Sore Throat, Gut Symptoms and Fatigue
Wales Online reports fatigue can be a Covid symptom. Dr Grant added: "A severe, burning sore throat has been widely reported with recent Covid variants. Swallowing can feel like razor blades. Many people assume it's tonsillitis or strep throat. Strep often brings white patches on the tonsils, swollen glands and no cough. A Covid sore throat more often accompanies a cough, congestion, or fatigue. If you have a high fever, can't swallow fluids or the pain keeps getting worse, speak to a pharmacist or GP."
Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting are recognised Covid symptoms. In winter, most people blame norovirus or something they ate. If gut symptoms come with a headache, fatigue or a sore throat, consider Covid. "Whatever the cause, keep sipping fluids. Wash your hands with soap and water, as alcohol gel doesn't kill norovirus," Dr Grant said.
Fatigue is one of the most common Covid symptoms. Dark evenings and busy pre-Christmas diaries mean many people write it off as burnout. If exhaustion arrives suddenly, feels heavier than usual or comes with aches or a sore throat, rest and test. Pushing through can slow recovery. If tiredness lingers for more than a few weeks after an infection, see your GP.
"Headaches are one of the most common Covid symptoms, and they're easy to dismiss. Most people blame stress, screen time or not drinking enough water. A Covid headache often feels like pressure or a tight band across the forehead and temples. It can drag on for days," Dr Grant said. "If a headache comes with a sore throat, aches or a temperature, consider Covid and take a test. Get urgent help if a headache is sudden and severe, or comes with a stiff neck, a rash, confusion or changes to your vision."
Dr Grant concluded: "Overall, there's no need to panic about a new variant. This one doesn't appear to cause more serious illness. But the habits that protect others still matter. Test if you can, stay home when you're unwell and get your winter vaccines if you're eligible."
