The 12 Covid symptoms to look for as UK cases rise - including feeling tired

Covid levels are "steadily increasing", according to the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) latest update, and a new variant is dominant. The XFG variant, also nicknamed Stratus, accounts for the majority of cases, followed by a strain called NB.1.8.1, or Nimbus. In a recent blog update, the agency said there was no indication that either variant results in more severe illness than previous ones.

Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, urged people to come forward for a Covid vaccine if eligible. He added: "We can expect to see both flu and Covid-19 cases to rise in the coming weeks as we head towards the winter months so it's important that those eligible for the vaccines to protect against these viruses take up the offer to ensure they have the best protection." So as cases rise, what are the key symptoms to look out for?

Dr Azeem Majeed, a professor of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, said the symptoms of infection with XFG were "typical of a Covid-19 infection".

According to the NHS website, there are 12 common symptoms associated with the virus. These are:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) - a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a headache
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are similar to those caused by other respiratory illnesses, such as colds and flu.

People who have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or do normal activities are advised to stay home and avoid contact with others.

In most cases, Covid can be managed at home. Actions that may help ease symptoms include getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.

The NHS also recommends trying a teaspoon of honey to soothe a cough - although you should not give honey to babies under 12 months.

Sitting upright, turning down heating and opening windows can also help to deal with breathlessness.