It has been a month since a highly contagious mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus discovered in the United Kingdom arrived in the United States. Since then, the variant has spread to at least 28 states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicting that it will likely become the dominant strain in the U.S. in March. But in addition to being more transmissible, a new study found that the United Kingdom’s COVID strain is also different in its symptoms. Read on to see what the researchers found about the UK variant and for more information on how you can stay safe, see Stop doing this immediately to avoid the new COVID strain, Doctor Warns.
A new study by the UK government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) looked at the symptoms of a random sample of 6,000 patients in England who tested positive for coronavirus between mid-November and mid-January, reports the BBC. The test results showed that the 3,500 patients who tested positive for the new UK variant were more likely to have four symptoms in particular when compared to the 2,500 who were infected with other variants.
Experts believe that mutations in the form of SARS-CoV-2 are what are causing the sudden change in the way the disease is displayed. “Some of these changes in different parts of the virus can affect the body’s immune response and also influence the range of symptoms associated with the infection,” he said. Lawrence Young, PhD, virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, UK, told the BBC.
So, which symptoms are you most likely to experience with the new UK variant? Read on to see what the study found and to learn more about what can help you if you contract the virus, find out which over-the-counter drug can kill COVID, the study says.
United Kingdom variant: 35 percent of patients
Other variants: 28 percent of patients
And for more information on signs that you may need serious medical attention, check to see if you have one of these symptoms, the CDC says go to the hospital now.
United Kingdom variant: 32 percent of patients
Other variants: 29 percent of patients
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United Kingdom variant: 25 percent of patients
Other variants: 21 percent of patients
And for more information about the warning signs that your body may be giving off, see If you notice this in your mouth, you may have COVID, experts warn.
United Kingdom variant: 21.8 percent of patients
Other variants: 19 percent of patients
And for a risk factor that you should be aware of, check If you did, you are twice as likely to develop severe COVID.