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We have been in the coronavirus pandemic for almost a year here in the UK and, at this stage, we would probably all be back to get some sort of qualification in the main symptoms of COVID-19. The most common signs of the dangerous virus are high fever, new and continuous cough and loss or change in smell or taste – but they are not the only indicators that you may have contracted.
As we well know, in the last months of last year, a new variant of COVID started to spread in the United Kingdom. It is believed to be significantly more transmissible than the original virus, and researchers are still investigating whether there are other characteristics that we should be aware of. So far, it appears that the symptoms of the new variant are almost the same as those of the primary virus. However, there has been some anecdotal evidence that Headaches are a specific symptom that people are seeing with the new variant.
There on Twitter, there are much chat about headaches increasingly manifesting themselves as a sign of COVID. “The new variant of COVID has a different symptom profile. It is not loss of smell and taste, but headache, such as eye strain and throbbing in the temple. Also back pain,” wrote one person. “Our experience at a new variant critical point at the moment is that the initial symptoms are headache and nausea,” shared another.
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On the World Health Organization website, a headache is listed as one of the “less common” symptoms of coronavirus, along with diarrhea, skin rashes, pain and suffering and more. So, what does a UK doctor think about the suggestion that headaches may be an indicator of the new variant?
“There have been a few studies that previously linked headaches to the virus. However, more research still needs to be done to establish whether headaches are a major symptom of any virus mutation,” Dr Samantha Wild, GP at Bupa UK account Cosmopolitan. “We are still learning a lot about these new variants “, she adds.
O current guidance does not recommend taking a test based solely on a headache, so Dr. Wild advises “continuing to monitor your symptoms and looking on the NHS website for any updates”, to anyone who is currently experiencing headaches, but nothing more. “If you are having significant headaches without any other symptoms, it may still be worthwhile to see a doctor. They can be linked to many different conditions, so a doctor can help diagnose the cause, ”she suggests, adding:“ You can also call 111 if you’re not sure or are concerned about any symptoms you have. “
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The doctor reiterates that the main symptoms of COVID currently apply to any variant of the virus. “At the moment, the main symptoms of any strain of COVID-19 remain the same: a continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more episodes of coughing in 24 hours), temperature and loss of taste or smell, ” she says. “If you go to the doctor based on these symptoms, it is worth discussing other issues, such as headaches, at the same time.
Dr. Wild also points out that people with COVID Longo often experience headaches (when you have had the virus and still have symptoms). “These can vary in severity and duration,” she says, urging anyone who believes they may have Long COVID to seek medical advice.
What do we know about the new COVID-19 variant?
All viruses – like the coronavirus – undergo genetic changes, called mutations. The COVID-19 mutation that has been identified in the UK has “many different mutations”, explains the doctor.
“Several of these mutations involve changes in the protein that the virus uses to bind to the surface of human cells. Changes in that part of the protein can – in theory – make the virus more infectious and spread more easily among people,” says Dr. Wild, adding that “there is no evidence that any of these variants of the coronavirus causes more serious illnesses.”
The most important thing to remember is follow government guidelines on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus capture and spread. Stay at home, unless you are going out for one of the authorized exemptions (including exercising outdoors, seeking medical attention, going to work on a job that cannot be done at home and more) and whenever you leave the house, make sure to wear a mask, to distance yourself socially and to practice hand hygiene. “These measures should give the virus less chance of changing,” notes Dr. Wild.
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Needless to say, if you feel unwell and have any of the common symptoms, you should isolate yourself and arrange for a coronavirus test.
The doctor adds that in addition to protecting ourselves physically, we must also be doing it mentally. “If you are feeling anxious, stop to take a few deep breaths and accept that your anxiety will pass. It can be helpful to write a list of things in your mind, as well as talk to someone you trust. The openness about how you feel with your loved ones can be a great relief. Alternatively, talking to your doctor can help. Support is always available. “
The information in this story is accurate at the time of publication. While we try to keep our content as updated as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it is possible that some information and recommendations have changed since publication. For any latest questions and advice, visit the World Health Organization. If you are in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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