A Covid variant first detected in June, TA.1, has become dominant and now accounts for roughly 25% to 30% of all sequenced Covid cases in the UK, according to recent figures.
The latest data from UKHSA shows 865 deaths with Covid in England in the most recent week analysed, up 24.6%. The number of patients admitted to hospital increased 33.5% to 1,168.
Symptoms overlap with colds and flu
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said symptoms of Covid, flu and other respiratory infections can overlap, making it impossible to tell which virus caused an infection from symptoms alone.
“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,” he said.
Common signs to watch for
Dr Grant explained that a blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing and a scratchy throat are classic cold signs and are also very common with Covid now. He advised that if a “cold” comes with unusual tiredness, aches or a temperature, people should take a test before heading into work or visiting older relatives.
Flu and Covid share fever, chills, body aches, headaches and a dry cough, but flu tends to hit suddenly, often within hours, while Covid can build more gradually over a day or two. Combined tests for both are available from pharmacies.
A severe, burning sore throat has been widely reported with recent Covid variants. Dr Grant noted that swallowing can feel like razor blades, and many people assume it is tonsillitis or strep throat. Strep often brings white patches on the tonsils, swollen glands and no cough, while a Covid sore throat more often accompanies a cough, congestion, or fatigue.
Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting are recognised Covid symptoms, though in winter most people blame norovirus or something they ate. If gut symptoms come with a headache, fatigue or a sore throat, Covid should be considered.
Fatigue is one of the most common Covid symptoms, and many people write it off as burnout during dark evenings and busy pre-Christmas diaries. If exhaustion arrives suddenly, feels heavier than usual or comes with aches or a sore throat, rest and test.
Headaches are also among the most common Covid symptoms. A Covid headache often feels like pressure or a tight band across the forehead and temples and can drag on for days. Urgent help is needed if a headache is sudden and severe, or comes with a stiff neck, a rash, confusion or changes to vision.
Dr Grant said there is no need to panic about the new variant, as it does not appear to cause more serious illness. He advised testing if possible, staying home when unwell and getting winter vaccines if eligible.
