Different Symptoms Reported From the New Coronavirus Variant

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) stated 'people infected with the new coronavirus variant discovered in the South East of England (known as B.1.1.7 or VUI 202012/01) are more likely to have a cough, sore throat, fatigue, or myalgia than those infected with other virus variants. The B.1.1.7 variant is thought to be much more infectious and possibly more deadly—although this is still being investigated.

The Office for National Statistics reported on January 27, 2021, the data also shows that people in England with the new variant are less likely to experience a loss of sense of smell or taste.

These findings have prompted some doctors to call for the official covid-19 symptom list to be reviewed and potentially expanded, which has not happened in England since May 2020. The UK government currently advises that people get tested for covid-19 if they have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.