Three Covid signs folks mistake for hay fever listed as UK circumstances skyrocket

A surge in Covid cases is leading Brits to mistake three common symptoms for hay fever, with experts cautioning that Covid may intensify allergy symptoms.

As the new Covid FLiRT variant continues its spread across the UK, Brits are being encouraged to recognise the difference between common summer hay fever symptoms and those of the infectious strain of the virus that ground the world down to a halt in 2020.

Brits are falling ill to a nasty bug with symptoms resembling hay fever, but it’s actually the infectious FLiRT variant wreaking havoc.

READ MORE: ‘Brits don’t have hayfever, they have deadly new Covid strain,’ claims expert

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The illness presents with fever, persistent coughs, sore throats, stomach upsets, and changes in taste and smell, eerily similar to the seasonal allergy.

Doctor Rhoads, the Vice Chair of the Microbiology Committee, told GB News that people infected with the latest FLiRT variants are experiencing some usual, known symptoms such as fatigue, coughing and a loss of smell. Bupa highlighted that although hay fever can affect smell and taste, completely losing these senses is still more likely to be symptoms of Covid.

The severity of any symptoms is a key indicator, with Bupa highlighting that if an individual experiences difficulty breathing or a high fever, it’s likely to be Covid. University of Derby expert Owen advises that Covid tests remain the go-to for distinguishing between hay fever and FLiRT variants, reports the Mirror.

Rebecca Owen, who specialises in sports and exercise at the University of Derby, told The Telegraph: “A lot of people have had Covid-19, and infections can make us more susceptible to allergies. They can activate the immune response in what’s called mast cell activation syndrome, so while more studies are needed, it could be that some of those who have been infected with Covid may then develop hay fever.”

Individuals with a history of hay fever seem to battle worse Covid symptoms on catching the virus. Typical hayfever responses include itchy or watery eyes, headaches, earaches, a lost sense of smell, and usual suspects like sneezing, coughing or a runny or blocked nose.

Health officials believe that the troublesome FLiRT Covid variant contributed to a 24% climb in hospital visits last month and now makes up around 40% of Covid cases in Britain.

Meanwhile, hay fever is on the rise in the UK, with the NHS estimating that around 20% of Brits will experience symptoms this summer. This follows a mid-June report which saw a whopping 147% increase in hay fever sufferers seeking NHS advice.

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