First Omicron symptom before positive test

As Omicron surges around the world, experts are warning of the new Covid symptoms that could mean you’ve caught the milder strain.

Over 20 symptoms have been identified by those exposed to Omicron, which means it can be a little confusing to know when to get a test.

But, experts are suggesting that one symptom, in particular, could warn that you’ve caught the virus before a positive Covid test.

The Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Dr Allison Arwady, said a sore throat is the most common symptom for predicting a positive Covid test, suggesting you should stay home if you have one.

As reported by NBC Chicago, she said: “Even if it’s a sore throat, no matter what it is. I’ve told my own staff this, it’s what I do myself … if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home.

“More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test — that’s Covid. That’s how we treat it, that’s how you should treat it.”

The most commonly felt symptoms of Covid are a runny nose, headache, fatigue, altered smell and a low appetite.

An earache has been noted as a regular symptom for people who test positive for the variant – especially by those who have been vaccinated.

Unusual joint pains have also been added to the list of common symptoms, with fewer cases reporting feeling run down and a loss of smell.

The UK Office for National Statistics also revealed the top three symptoms they have seen reported – a cough, fatigue and headache.

These vary from the three main symptoms of coronavirus set, which have not changed since Covid first surged in March 2020 – a persistent cough, a loss of taste and smell and a high temperature.

The top 20 Covid symptoms are:

• Runny nose

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Sneezing

• Persistent cough

• Hoarse voice

• Unusual joint pains

• Chills or shivers

• Fever

• Dizzy

• Eye soreness

• Brain fog

• Unusual muscle pains

• Altered smell

• Skipped meals

• Swollen glands

• Chest pain

• Earache

A string of hugely positive studies shows that Omicron is milder than other strains in vaccinated people.

The first official UK report also revealed that the risk of hospitalisation is 50 to 70 per cent lower than with the Delta variant.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as First Omicron symptom before positive rapid antigen test revealed