Coronavirus: Two COVID symptoms expert warns against taking lightly

While BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant remains dominant in most parts of the world, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus raises concerns over subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 that are currently driving the new surge of COVID-19 infections in South Africa.

“In many countries we’re essentially blind to how the virus is mutating. We don’t know what’s coming next," he said.

That said, in light of these new sub-variants, Professor Tim Spector, head of ZOE Covid Study app, took to YouTube to address the concerns and provide insights into the two new Omicron sub-variants.

Also read: Coronavirus: Study finds COVID-19 could speed up ageing by 20 years; here's how

Just last month in April, South African scientists detected two new Omicron sublineages known as BA.4 and BA.5.

Although BA.2 stealth Omicron remains to be dominant, BA.4 and BA.5 are said to be more infectious than BA.2 and are likely to be more efficient at escaping immunity from vaccines.

According to Prof. Spector, BA.4 and BA.5 may not pose immediate risk.

However, he notes that he and his team are keeping a close eye on the variants, since cases are increasing rapidly in South Africa.

Additionally, the professor has listed down two symptoms that need to be taken "really seriously". Read on to find out what they are.

Loss of sense of smell was a common symptom during the rise of Delta infections.

Most people infected with the Delta variant developed respiratory symptoms along with certain changes to their olfactory system.

Also known as Anosmia, it is the condition, wherein people lose their sense of smell either for a short period of time or longer i.e. even after recovery.

According to Prof. Tim Spector, loss of smell is one of the symptoms to not be taken lightly.

Also read: Coronavirus: Are you suffering from 'Medium COVID'? Here are some of the signs to watch out for

Tinnitus, also known as ear ringing, is another symptom to take seriously, as per Professor Spector.

"It suggests another part of the body is being affected, something internal, more close to the brain."

Prof. Spector and his team conducted a survey to check the prevalence of tinnitus in people affected with COVID-19.

It was found that 19 percent or one in five of COVID infected people did have ear problems.

According to the ZOE study, of the 14,500 people who participated in the survey, 5,000 tested positive for coronavirus and ear ringing. As per the patients, the symptoms "comes and goes and can be mild to moderate for weeks or months".

Tinnitus symptoms could vary from person to person. Some may hear a high squeal while others may hear a low roar. That said, a tinnitus may sound like the following:

- Roaring

- Ringing

- Buzzing

- Hissing

- Clicking

- Humming

- Whooshing

- Throbbing

Apart from the two symptoms mentioned above, here are the most common symptoms associated with COVID so far.

- Fever

- Persistent cough

- Sore throat

- Runny nose

- Headache

- Fatigue

- Body ache

- Gastrointestinal problems

Although COVID restrictions have eased in several parts of the country, it is important that you still wear your mask, maintain social distance and follow proper hand hygiene. Being vigilant is key and one must remember that the pandemic is ongoing.

Getting your vaccines should be prioritized and those eligible for booster shot should receive it immediately.