The symptoms people are reporting when they have Covid have changed since the emergence of the Delta variant.

The new strain, also known as the Indian variant, is now responsible for more than 90 per cent of new Covid cases in the UK.

Until now, people have been told to watch for three key symptoms that could show they have contracted Covid-19.

They are a new, dry, persistent cough, a temperature and a loss of sense of taste or smell.

The Argus: The Delta variant is now responsible for more than 90 per cent of new cases in the UKThe Delta variant is now responsible for more than 90 per cent of new cases in the UK

But scientists say there are new signs you should now watch for.

Research has found that a headache and a sore throat have become more common symptoms.

The change could be in part because the new variant is currently spreading among younger people, reports The Sun.

Millions of people have been reporting their symptoms in the ZOE Covid Symptom Study since March 2020.

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Professor Tim Spector, the lead on the study, told The Telegraph: “Since the start of May, we’ve been looking at the top symptoms and they are not the same as they were.

“Number one is headache followed by sore throat, runny nose and fever.

“All those are not the old classic symptoms, number five is cough, so it’s rarer and we don’t even see loss of smell coming into the top 10 anymore.

“This variant seems to be working slightly differently.”

The Argus: New Covid-19 symptoms you should look out for, according to expert study. (PA)New Covid-19 symptoms you should look out for, according to expert study. (PA)

A headache affects 66 per cent of people with Covid, according to symptoms reported by app users.

A sore throat was reported 53 per cent of the time and a runny nose 49 per cent.

A loss of taste or smell is no longer in the top 10 symptoms, the app has recently found.

Another leading infection survey in the UK found in February Covid is defined by symptoms of chills, loss of appetite, headache and muscle aches.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and self-isolate immediately.

This is because you could pass the infection on to others, even if you don’t have symptoms.

You could be fined if you do not self-isolate following a notification by NHS Test and Trace[footnote 1].

You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate.

It may be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others in their household.

Not all these measures will be possible if you are living with children or have caring responsibilities but follow this guidance to the best of your ability in these circumstances.

When to seek emergency medical attention

Look for emergency warning signs. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face