These are the most common COVID symptoms right now: study

Story outline

• Viruses evolve over time.

• The latest manifestations of COVID-19 are associated with new dominant subvariants (BQ.1 and BQ.1.1) that currently account for the majority of reported cases in the United States.

• Sore throat was the most commonly reported symptom, followed by runny and stuffy nose.

(NEXSTAR) – Like other viruses, COVID symptoms are changing, and new research shows that symptoms have changed slightly.

Virus symptoms can change for many reasons, including vaccines and new variants.For example, when the BA.5 Omicron subvariant became the dominant strain in the United States, COVID patients Report extreme fatigue more often Less loss of taste and smell.

New symptoms are associated with new dominant subvariants. CDC.

of Zoe Health Survey — Collaborative effort by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, King’s College London, Stanford University School of Medicine and the health app ZOE — updated list of the top COVID symptoms currently reported by its participants in the last week.

Reviewing data from COVID-positive study participants in the 30 days prior to December 5, researchers found that a sore throat was the most frequently reported symptom, followed by a runny and stuffy nose. discovered.

Below are the top 10 COVID symptoms reported in the ZOE Healthy Study since early November.

1. sore throat
2. runny nose
3. Nasal congestion
4. sneeze
5. cough without phlegm
6. headache
7. productive cough
8. hoarse voice
9. muscle pain
10. changes in sense of smell

With the exception of sneezing and hoarseness, all of these symptoms have been associated with COVID since the start of the pandemic. CDC data show. conspicuously missing from this list compared to the current list CDC guidelines There are gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as “traditional” symptoms such as loss of smell, shortness of breath and fever.

According to ZOE, traditional symptoms are underreported among recent COVID patients. The October report listed ZOE Fever as a commonly reported symptom For COVID patients who have not been vaccinated. A breakdown of recent symptoms based on vaccination status was not readily available.

These COVID symptoms are also similar to those influenza and respiratory syncytial virusAll three respiratory viruses are currently circulating in the United States, causing a “triple infection,” but with overlapping symptoms and some differences. compared the symptoms Associated with COVID, Flu, and RSV at a glance.

The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, and treatment varies by virus. Checking your symptoms is a good place to start, but doctors recommend getting tested to inform next steps.

Alix Martichoux contributed to this report.