The rapidly spreading TA.1 Covid variant, nicknamed 'American Covid', now accounts for roughly 25% to 30% of all sequenced cases in the UK, and a GP has explained how its symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said the variant can pass for a cold, flu, tonsillitis, a stomach bug or winter tiredness. He has also advised when people should "stay at home" and what steps they should and shouldn't take.
Why 'American Covid' is hard to spot
The TA.1 variant is a new mutation of the XFG strain, first detected in June and now the dominant strain across the country, accounting for nearly a third of all current UK Covid infections. Symptoms of Covid, flu and other respiratory infections overlap, making it impossible to tell which virus caused an infection from symptoms alone.
Dr Grant 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."
Six symptoms commonly mistaken for other illnesses
1. The common cold - Dr Grant noted: "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."
2. Flu - "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," he said. "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."
3. Tonsillitis or Strep Throat - The GP explained: "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."
Gut symptoms and fatigue
4. A stomach bug - Dr Grant said: "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."
5. General winter fatigue - He 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."
6. A tension headache or migraine - Dr Grant added: "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. 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 that there is no need to panic about the new variant, as it does not appear to cause more serious illness. He advised testing when possible, staying home when unwell, and getting winter vaccines if eligible.
