Health data from the United Kingdom indicates that the most common symptoms of COVID-19 may have shifted from the traditional signs associated with the virus, as the highly infectious Delta variant has become the predominant strain in the UK. Symptoms such as fever and cough, which have always been prevalent for COVID-19, continue to be reported, along with some individuals experiencing headaches and sore throats. Nasal congestion, previously a rare symptom of the virus since its inception, has also been noted, according to the Science Alert website. Meanwhile, loss of smell, which was originally a common symptom, has fallen to ninth place in prevalence.
The site states: "There are several reasons why we are seeing symptoms evolve in this way. One possibility is that data originally came from patients arriving at hospitals who were likely to be more ill." It adds, "Given the high vaccination rates among older age groups, younger individuals now represent a larger proportion of COVID cases and tend to display milder symptoms." The site attributes the change in symptoms to the evolution of the virus and the differing viral characteristics of the Delta variant.
It further notes, "This data is important because it shows us that what we might think is simply nasal congestion and a sore throat could actually be a case of COVID-19." However, it points out that host factors such as age, gender, other illnesses, and medications have not been accounted for, as they would be in a rigorous clinical trial. As with all self-reported data, some of these symptoms may not be definitive.
Although new viral strains may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, two doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines still provide good protection against COVID-19 symptoms.
