Covid Kraken symptoms to watch out for as the variant becomes the 'most transmissible' yet
The latest reports share Covid cases continue to increase across the whole country.
By DIANA BUNTAJOVA
08:20, Mon, Jan 9, 2023 | UPDATED: 08:21, Mon, Jan 9, 2023
Dubbed “The Kraken”, new Covid XBB.1.5 variant has been recorded in the UK. This Omicron sub-variant has been driving up cases in the US, with experts saying it’s the one to watch. The Kraken is currently thought to trigger symptoms similar to previous Omicron strains; here’s what to look for.
While it’s too early to confirm the exact symptoms the new variant causes, the tell-tale signs are currently thought to be similar to previous Omicron strains.
Health experts and scientists are now monitoring the new sub-variant in order to determine whether it gives dominance to certain symptoms.
But Martin Michaelis, professor of molecular medicine at the University of Kent, told FactCheck “there is no indication” that the symptoms of XBB.1.5 are different from those caused by other Omicron sub-variants.
This means that less traditional symptoms - think sore throat and runny nose - could be rife as Kraken is sweeping through the UK.
When Omicron first appeared back in 2021, it cemented itself as a Covid variant that triggers less typical symptoms, leaving cough and loss of smell less prevalent.
The Zoe Covid Study App, which tracks dominant Covid symptoms through their app users, keeps monitoring the most common symptoms in the UK.
According to their latest data from the 30 days leading up to December 5, the “top” symptoms included:
Sore throat
Runny nose
Blocked nose
Sneezing
Cough without phlegm
Headache
Cough with phlegm
Hoarse voice
Muscle aches and pains
Altered sense of smell.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1717981/covid-kraken-xbb15-signs-symptoms