Concerns have been raised as new branches of the highly transmissible Omicron variant have caused an increase in cases in countries around the world.
Omicron’s relatives XBB and XBB.1.5 have been reported in several countries, including the UK, prompting British health officials to urge adoption of Covid vaccines and other protections against the virus.
Earlier this month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advised Britons to stay home when not feeling well or to wear face coverings when out, in a bid to contain the risk of a new wave of Covid.
Then the US Health Services Authority warned that Covid and influenza are “circulating at elevated levels,” which are likely to continue to rise in the coming weeks.
The XBB.1.5 Covid variant is believed to be behind at least 4% of infections currently being sequenced. In October 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there was early evidence to suggest that XBB has an increased risk of re-infection, compared to other circulating sub-variants of Omicron.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and founder of the Covid Zoe app, warned that the new Omicron descendant could be the new variant “to watch… in 2023”.
As Covid continues to spread at a rapid pace in the UK, ZOE Project AnalysisSeen by The IndependentIt reveals that in the 30 days to January 3, 2023, a sore throat was the most common symptom reported by its employees.
The ZOE app allows infected people to report their symptoms via an app while purportedly suffering from the virus, in order to gain a better understanding of Covid and its progression. The data provided is being analyzed by King’s College London, which tracks infections across the UK and identifies those most at risk.
Here are the top 10 symptoms reported in the past month:
- Sore throat – 57.3 percent
- Nasal obstruction – 57.8 percent
- runny nose – 55.5%
- sneezing – 52 percent)
- Cough without sputum – 50.7 percent
- headache – 49.6%
- Cough with sputum – 47.3 percent
- Hoarse voice – 41.4 percent
- muscle pain – 24.7%
- variable scent – 22.32 percent
Concerns have been raised as new branches of the highly transmissible Omicron variant have caused an increase in cases in countries around the world.
Omicron’s relatives XBB and XBB.1.5 have been reported in several countries, including the UK, prompting British health officials to urge adoption of Covid vaccines and other protections against the virus.
Earlier this month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advised Britons to stay home when not feeling well or to wear face coverings when out, in a bid to contain the risk of a new wave of Covid.
Then the US Health Services Authority warned that Covid and influenza are “circulating at elevated levels”, which are likely to continue to rise in the coming weeks.
The XBB.1.5 Covid variant is believed to be behind at least 4% of infections currently being sequenced. In October 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there was early evidence to suggest that XBB has an increased risk of re-infection, compared to other circulating sub-variants of Omicron.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and founder of the Covid Zoe app, warned that the new Omicron descendant could be the new variant “to watch… in 2023”.
As Covid continues to spread at a rapid pace in the UK, ZOE Project AnalysisSeen by The IndependentIt reveals that in the 30 days to January 3, 2023, a sore throat was the most common symptom reported by its employees.
The ZOE app allows infected people to report their symptoms via an app while purportedly suffering from the virus, in order to gain a better understanding of Covid and its progression. The data provided is being analyzed by King’s College London, which tracks infections across the UK and identifies those most at risk.
Here are the top 10 symptoms reported in the past month:
- Sore throat – 57.3 percent
- Nasal obstruction – 57.8 percent
- runny nose – 55.5%
- sneezing – 52 percent)
- Cough without sputum – 50.7 percent
- headache – 49.6%
- Cough with sputum – 47.3 percent
- Hoarse voice – 41.4 percent
- muscle pain – 24.7%
- variable scent – 22.32 percent
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.