A GP has explained exactly how Covid symptoms are likely to play out day by day.
The doctor’s advice comes as reports of two new variants circulating around the world emerge.
The UK first witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases driven by the Eris and Pirola variants in the summer and autumn. Now, two new Covid variants, known as HV.1 and JN.1 appear.
The Omicron spin-off, known as HV.1, has cemented itself as the dominant strain in the US, while JN.1, the descendant of Pirola, has recently been found in the UK, US, Iceland, Portugal and Spain.
According to Dr Johannes Uys, a GP at Broadgate General Practice in London, the first symptomatic day of Covid infection is marked by seven warning signs.
Dr Uys told Express.co.uk: “The early symptoms of Covid infection vary from patient to patient.
“Typically though, you will initially experience chills, a fever, breathlessness, fatigue, a persistent cough, aches and pains or a headache.”
On the second day of infection, the GP explained that all of these symptoms may persist, but you may also feel “a lot worse”.
The doctor added: “It’s possible that some of the symptoms you didn’t feel on the first day end up manifesting later on, but, again, everyone’s experience with the virus is different.”
Dr Uys shared that some people may find that their symptoms become “more severe” over time, while others will recover relatively quickly on their own.
Your experience with Covid and the symptoms can depend on factors like age, general health and genetics.
Furthermore, some people might not experience these “more obvious symptoms”.
“Many are asymptomatic or find that only their sense of taste or smell has been impaired,” Dr Uys added.
However, once you identify any signs of Covid, the GP recommended stopping or minimising contact with people from vulnerable groups, such as elderly family members or friends with autoimmune disorders.
Dr Uys added: “You should then take a test to confirm whether you’ve got Covid.
“If the test comes back positive, you would ideally self-isolate until the infection has run its course.
“If your symptoms worsen and you feel you cannot breathe, seek urgent medical attention.”