With new potential Covid symptoms being reported across the world, it can be difficult to keep track of only the official symptoms that have been confirmed by reliable sources.
There has also been confusion as to how the common indicators of Omicron differ from past variants such as Alpha and Delta.
People infected with the Omicron strain tend to display more cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, and a sore head.
READ MORE — Covid Scotland: 'Classic three' symptoms no longer most common as virus 'evolves'
This differs from the three "classic" indicators of the virus: a persistent cough, a fever, and the loss of taste or smell.
As reported by Wales Online, other symptoms that have recently been reported include ringing ears and diarrhoea.
All of these potential symptoms can make it difficult to know when it is worth taking a Covid test.
With different strains having different effects, here is a roundup of what all of the primary official sources say about Covid-19 symptoms.
NHS Covid symptoms
Guidance from the NHS on Covid symptoms has not changed since the beginning of the pandemic.
The three symptoms listed by the health service are:
- A high temperature, meaning you are hot to touch on your chest or back
- A new, continuous cough, meaning coughing a significant amount for over an hour or three or more coughing episodes within one day
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, meaning things smell or taste different to how to usually do or have lost their taste or smell altogether
The NHS lists the same symptoms for children however it notes that cases are usually less serious.
WHO Covid symptoms
The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges that Covid can affect people in differing ways, and have separated their symptom list by prevalence and severity.
Common symptoms are listed as:
- A fever
- A cough
- Fatigue
- The loss of taste or smell
Less common symptoms are listed as:
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhoea
- A rash on skin or discolouration of fingers or toes
- Red or irritated eyes
Serious symptoms are listed as:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- The loss of speech or mobility or confusion
- Chest pain
Those experiencing symptoms in the last category should seek medical attention immediately, though are advised to call ahead before visiting a health centre.
ZOE Covid symptoms
The ZOE study is a Covid surveillance app that has been documenting information about the virus, such as how it presents in patients and where the hotspots are at any given time, since March 2020.
It is the biggest ongoing Covid-19 study.
The current most important symptoms to look for:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Fever
- Loss of taste and smell
Other symptoms listed by ZOE so far:
- High temperature
- Chills or shivers
- Unusual tiredness (fatigue)
- Sudden confusion, especially in older people
- Skin rash
- Changes in the mouth or tongue (Covid tongue)
- Red and sore fingers or toes
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain
- Hoarse voice
- Diarrhoea
- Skipping meals
- Abdominal pains
CDC Covid symptoms
The United States-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that there are a "wide range" of potential Covid symptoms.
They also say that these can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after initial infection.
The symptoms listed are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
They also advise seeking emergency medical attention if a person develops the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds depending on skin tone
