The intensive care wards in ten hospital funds were at full capacity for most of last week, it was revealed today. The new coronavirus variant discovered in November is believed to be behind the increase in admissions. The new variant transmits more easily than other variants, although it is not known to cause a more serious illness.
What also emerged in the current wave is a series of unusual symptoms.
The NHS highlights three main symptoms of COVID-19 – high temperature, new and continuous cough and loss or change in smell or taste.
However, the latest data shows that several symptoms that are off the official list are becoming highly prevalent.
Professor Tom Spector, an epidemiologist at King’s College London and chief scientist for the UK Infection Research at the Zoe coronavirus Symptom Study, said one in five patients had unusual symptoms.
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During the pandemic, there were repeated calls for UK health agencies, such as the NHS, to update their list of possible warning signs.
An equivalent body in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD), has produced a more extensive list of symptoms.
“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of reported symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to serious illnesses,” explains the CDC.
So far, the health agency has listed 11 possible COVID-19 warning signs to watch for.
A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can find people from another home.
Can I treat my symptoms at home?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can often relieve symptoms at home until you recover.
However, according to the SNS, if you have a high temperature, it can help:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough that your pee is light yellow and light
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.
There has been some news of anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen, making the coronavirus worse.
The Human Medicines Commission has now confirmed that there is no clear evidence that the use of ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as elevated temperature worsens the coronavirus.