Covid: Doctor on the symptom unique to Omicron variants – extends to ‘tip’ of nose

24/07/2022

Omicron: GP explains ‘overwhelming’ science behind vaccines

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The BA.4 and BA.5 variants developed from the highly contagious Omicron strain and were first recorded in the UK this spring. By May, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had designated them as “variants of concern”. Now, an estimated 78.7 percent of confirmed Covid cases in England are the BA.5 strain alone.

This means it is now the dominant variant in the country.

One doctor explained how those infected with BA.4 or BA.5 tend to notice breathing issues in a specific area.

Joseph Khabbaza, MD, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Cleveland Clinic, told The New York Times that patients often develop upper respiratory symptoms: “from the vocal cords to the tip of the nose”.

He added that he has seen more patients with painful sinus congestion and severe sore throats, due to the variants.

According to the ZOE health study, the 10 most common symptoms of the BA.4 and BA.5 variants – in order – are:

Runny nose
Sore throat
Headache
Persistent cough
Fatigue
Sneezing
Hoarse voice
Unusual joint pain
Fever
Chills or shivers.

The ZOE study has been collecting data on the general population throughout the pandemic.

Loss of taste or smell, which had been a common Covid symptom previously, were not listed as the most common symptoms for the variants.

The study also suggests almost five million Britons have symptomatic Covid in the UK right now.

This is significantly higher than the official recorded data from the government which goes by filed test results.

Government statistics report just 150,591 new Covid cases in England between July 7 and 15 – down 14 percent compared to the week before (this data was not available for the other UK countries).

But the UKHSA has warned there is “no room to be complacent”.

Its says: “UKHSA’s latest National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report indicates that the increase in COVID-19 case rates and hospitalisations continues to show signs of slowing.

“However, UKHSA scientists say there is no room to be complacent.

“People aged 75 and over remain at particular risk of severe disease if they are not up to date with their vaccinations.”

Other general symptoms of Covid, listed by the NHS, include:

A high temperature
A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Shortness of breath
An aching body
A blocked nose
Loss of appetite
Diarrhoea
Feeling sick or being sick.

It advises: “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of COVID-19.”

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