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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Health
Sophie Collins & Mia O'Hare

2 symptoms no longer considered signs of Covid - but unvaccinated report sharp pain

Two symptoms are no longer considered signs of Covid. A sore throat and runny nose are no longer deemed as major signs of the virus.

It is according to the Covid Zoe app, which has been tracking coronavirus symptoms since 2020. At the start of the pandemic, these two symptoms were among the main indicators of infection.

Dublin Live reports the virus has developed new strains, bringing different symptoms. While loss of smell and taste were once the top signs of Covid, the new 'classic' symptoms are high fever and breathlessness.

Read more: Martin Lewis warns anyone paying for NHS prescriptions they could save over £100 a year

And some patients are now reporting a sharp pain in the shoulders and legs, known as myalgia. This is said to arise from the effects of inflammatory molecules released by immune cells in response to the virus, and is common in people who are not vaccinated.

According to the Zoe Covid app, myalgia is regarded as a ‘top’ symptom of Covid. Dr Angelique Coetzee, a South African doctor who first spotted the Omicron strain, said myalgia tends to affect unvaccinated patients more intensely, but that those who have received the vaccine can still experience it.

“Covid-related muscle pains can range from being mild to quite debilitating, especially when they occur alongside fatigue," the health app says. “For some people, this muscle pain stops them from doing day-to-day tasks." Health officials are warning that this sign can appear 'early' in the infection period.

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