'If you have sore throat, runny nose, it is probably COVID', warns UK researchers

According to UK researchers, if you have a sore throat, a runny nose, and a headache, it's probably Covid. The Zoe Covid study team has been tracking the epidemic using public feedback, and believes that half of those experiencing cold-like symptoms have Covid. They say the new Omicron variant has caused a "explosion" of Covid cases in the previous week. A total of 144,000 people catch it every day and become ill as a result.

For the most part, Covid is a minor illness. Some people experience no symptoms at all.However, in some people, even those who have not been vaccinated, it can still cause significant sickness. Take a Covid test if you experience cold-like symptoms, adds lead scientist Prof Tim Spector.

"In the last week, the number of new symptomatic patients has exploded," he stated.

"An Omicron positive case will, for the most part, feel like a regular cold, with a sore throat, runny nose, and headache." You can find out by asking a buddy who has just tested positive.

"To preserve lives, we urgently need to adjust public message."

On Wednesday, the UK reported 106,122 new Covid cases, surpassing 100,000 for the first time in a single day.

Experts believe that with illnesses increasing every two to three days, health officials are concerned about the strain on the NHS. According to preliminary research, the Omicron coronavirus variant is gentler than other types, with fewer patients becoming extremely ill.

However, a large wave of infections would still necessitate hospitalisation for many individuals, as well as a large number of doctors and nurses who would be sick with Covid.

Before getting together with friends and family for the holidays, people are being advised to take quick Covid tests.

Lateral flow tests aid in the detection of cases in patients who are asymptomatic but still infectious, meaning they can spread the virus to others.

As per the latest estimates, more than 1.3 million persons in the UK tested positive for coronavirus in the week ending December 16. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has documented the highest level of infections since the survey began.

In the most recent week in England, this amounted to 2.1 percent of the population, or one in every 45 persons.

According to the ONS, trends for estimated Covid-19 infections grew in England and Scotland, but trends in Wales and Northern Ireland remained unknown.

During that seven-day period, the following numbers of people were projected to have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK: