UK health experts are urging people to stay alert for five specific COVID-19 symptoms that could appear when eating, as the country faces high levels of COVID-19, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). , the flu and norovirus. This increase in illnesses has raised concerns about a possible “quademia” this winter.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning, saying: “We see cases of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus all year round, but in winter they circulate at the same time and can reach high levels.”
The agency also tracks other respiratory viruses, including rhinovirus, adenovirus and human metapneumovirus, which can peak during the fall and winter months, the agency said. Today’s program online.
Amid these concerns, the UKHSA highlighted specific symptoms of COVID-19 to watch out for, especially when eating. These include:
- a sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Changes in the sense of taste.
- Changes in the sense of smell.
The agency acknowledged that while COVID-19 may not cause as “severe” illness as it did during the early days of the pandemic, it still results in “serious illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” especially among those with weakened immune systems. before the pandemic. existing health conditions and older people.
UKHSA“It is normal and expected for viruses to change genetically over time and new COVID-19 variants, like previous variants, can easily spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. “.
In addition to the above symptoms, COVID-19 may also be accompanied by fever, chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nasal congestion, and diarrhea. These symptoms can often resemble those of a cold, but the presence of additional signs, such as fever, may indicate a more serious illness.
To protect yourself, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends washing your hands regularly with soap and water, using hand sanitiser and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.
Other strategies to reduce the risk of contracting COVID include maintaining social distancing, wearing a face covering, and gathering with people outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
The UKHSA also reminded the public of the symptoms to look out for with other circulating viruses, including RSV and influenza, noting that norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes fever, sore throat. head and pain in the extremities.