The number of positive covid patients is on the rise again in the UK.
Experts have warned of a potential fifth wave of the pandemic as coronavirus patients in hospitals has jumped up by more than 2,000 in a week, taking the total to 7,822. The increase is being driven by the recent BA.4 and BA.5 variants, subvariants of Omicron, reported The Mirror.
According to latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, more than 1.7 million people now have the virus in the UK in a shocking 23% increase. But there seems to be one symptom popping up in the majority of cases which affects the head.
READ MORE: What are the current covid rules and restrictions if you test positive
Now, scientists are warning of a new wave of infections which has begun after two covid sub-variants led to a surge in cases. To protect yourself and others, being aware of potential infection symptoms is key with one being the dominant warning sign.
What are the new variants?
Ever since it first emerged, covid has been mutating or shape-shifting. The new genetic versions that keep appearing are called variants.
The latest ones experts are concerned about - BA.4 and BA.5 - are very closely related to the Omicron variant behind last winter's wave. Covid infections in the UK are showing early signs of a rise, driven by these two variants.
Covid symptoms to spot
Launched in March 2020, the ZOE Covid Study app is used by participants who regularly report on their health and symptoms and whether they have tested positive for the virus or not. Data from the app is analysed in collaboration with King’s College London with researchers tracking infections across the UK, as well as identifying who is most at risk and where high-risk areas are.
According to the app, a headache is the “top” symptom reported with 69% of users reporting this ailment prior to infection. Representing a “less well-known symptom”, headaches are one of the earlier signs of the condition.
The app further explains how this painful symptom is “more common” than the other classic covid signs. It’s also been reported that some people even get a headache before they notice any breathing problems.
Covid reinfections
Prof Tim Spector, who leads the Zoe Health Study app, told The Guardian: “There are definitely a lot of people who got covid at the start of the year who are getting it again, including some with BA.4/5 who had BA.1/2 just four months ago, who thought they would be protected.” However, the professor added it is “rare” to be reinfected with covid within three months.
The NHS advises: “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you have tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) or have symptoms of Covid-19. If you have Covid-19, you can pass on the virus to other people for up to 10 days from when your infection starts. Many people will no longer be infectious to others after five days.”
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