Symptoms of the Delta variant might be different from what we’re used to

The Delta variant appears to cause different coronavirus symptoms than we’re used to, more reminiscent of a bad cold, according to study lead researcher Zoe Covid Symptom.

Professor Tim Spector, an expert in genetic epidemiology at King’s College London (KCL), said the variant, which first originated in India and has now become the most dominant variant in the UK, “Looks more like a bad cold” in younger people and “people don’t realize it”.

The NHS website still lists the three classic symptoms – a high temperature, a new and continuing cough, and a loss or change in smell and / or taste – as the main symptoms of the virus.

In his weekly update, Professor Spector said the increase in cases appears to be among young people and the unvaccinated, with most cases under the age of 40.

This matches statistics from Public Health England (PHE) released on June 10, which found case rates rose in most age groups last week, with infections now highest among 20-29 people. years.

Data suggests that the Delta variant has an R rate of 6, which is about twice as transmissible as the original variant. It’s “really contagious,” says Professor Spector.

People who are fully vaccinated can still get this variant, although it is likely that they will have a milder version and will not need to be hospitalized.

“Covid is acting differently now,” says Professor Spector, citing the change in symptom. “It means people may think they just had some sort of seasonal cold and still go to parties and can spread it to six other people. We think that is really fueling the problem. “