UK Covid strain sufferers cough more but less likely to suffer loss of smell

Symptoms such as a fever and fatigue are more common

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a vial of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine during a visit to Barnet FC's ground, which is being used as a coronavirus vaccination centre in London. AP Photo

Boris Johnson meets staff and patients at Barnet FC's ground. Reuters

Boris Johnson watches a patient receiving a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at Barnet FC's ground. Reuters

A worker digs a grave in a cemetery in Manchester. Reuters

Robert Ward, 56, a retired nurse from Blackpool Victoria Hospital, injects a patient with a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine during a clinic at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. AFP

Members of the public queue to enter a new coronavirus mass vaccination centre at Stratford shopping centre in east London. AFP

A woman wearing a face mask crosses London Bridge. Reuters

People exercise along the bank of the River Thames in London. AP Photo

A cyclist wears a mask as he passes graffiti in London during England's third national lockdown. AP Photo

Pedestrians walk in St James' park in London. A national lockdown across England began on midnight on 5 January. EPA

Police speak to pedestrians sitting in Trafalgar Square in London. EPA

People take daily exercise at Primrose Hill, north London. AFP

People walk past shops and market stalls in east London. Reuters

People wearing protective face coverings walk in the snow on Primrose Hill in London. AFP

A man wearing a face mask walks past a instructional government sign in London. Reuters

People who catch the so-called UK variant of Covid-19 are less likely to report a loss of taste or smell, but are more likely to develop other typical symptoms such as a fever and fatigue.

The UK Office for National Statistics’ latest data shows that those testing positive for the variant are also more likely to have a cough, sore throat and muscle pain.

There was little difference from the original strain of Covid in gastrointestinal symptoms, shortness of breath and headaches.

The findings on living with Covid-19 were based on research carried out between November 15 last year and January 16.

The variant, first identified in south-east England, is more transmissible and there is some evidence it is more deadly – although this has not been confirmed.

Meanwhile, researchers at a Spanish field hospital found that changes to the hands, soles of the feet or tongue could be early symptoms of a Covid-19 infection.

The conclusions are based on a study carried out last April at a hospital in Madrid, which assessed 666 patients who had contracted the virus during the first months of the pandemic.

Some reported swelling of the tongue or the appearance of patches, which was typically also associated with a loss of taste. One in four said they noticed changes to their tongue.

About 40 per cent also saw differences to their palms and the soles of their feet, including a burning sensation, redness and the appearance of small blemishes.

The findings were presented on Tuesday.

The UK became the first European country on Tuesday to pass 100,000 deaths from the virus since the start of the pandemic.

Despite intense criticism of his government, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his team “did everything that we could to minimise suffering and minimise loss of life".