Covid symptoms warning - and they're more common than a sore throat

As Covid infections rise - especially among the over 70s - typical symptoms of the disease appear to be changing.

Members of the public are being urged to look out for new tell-tale signs of Covid, with the number of people who have tested positive in recent weeks hitting 1.7 million.

Earlier in the pandemic, a sore throat was one of the most common symptoms of Covid, but new variants, coupled with vaccinations seem to have caused a shift.

According to Zoe Health Study, the main symptom among vaccinated people is now a headache and a runny nose.

Sneezing is also much higher on the list compared to a cough yet those who are unvaccinated are still likely to get a sore throat.

A runny nose is also a new common Covid symptom (Getty Images)

During the first waves of the virus, most didn't associate a headache with Covid and instead a sore throat was the key symptom.

Fever and loss of smell and taste are also now less common symptoms.

On the latest infection data, Sarah Crofts, ONS deputy director for the Covid-19 infection survey, said: “Infections have risen again across much of the United Kingdom, continuing the pattern of steady increases seen over recent weeks, although Scotland and the north-east of England had uncertain trends in the latest week.

“We have also seen another notable rise in infections amongst older age groups in England and Wales, underlining once again the need for close monitoring as we move through the colder months.”

The number of new reported Covid infections has hit 1.7 million in recent weeks (Getty Images)

From September 23 to October 3, around one in 25 over 70s were infected with Covid.

Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “We’re seeing sustained increases in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisation rates, so we continue to urge those eligible for vaccinations to come forward, whether that’s a first dose or a booster.

“Vaccines are the best protection against severe disease and hospitalisation this winter and it’s never too late to take up your first dose.

“If you are unwell or have symptoms of a respiratory infection, it is particularly important to avoid contact with elderly people or those who are more likely to have severe disease because of their ongoing health conditions.”

Here are the five most common Covid symptoms, with sore throat no longer topping the list:

1. Runny nose
2. Headache
3. Sneezing
4. Sore throat
5. Persistent cough