Omicron XE has been uncovered as the latest variant of the coronavirus spreading in the United Kingdom, but what are the symptoms? And how can it be confused with the common cold?

The NHS has updated its official list of "Covid" symptoms as Omicron cases continue to rise in the UK. Nine new physical symptoms have been linked to the current variants in addition to the latest Omicron XE strain. Many coronavirus symptoms are similar to other illnesses, but what are the symptoms associated with the common cold? And how can you distinguish between them?

The NHS official list now includes a total of 12 physical symptoms, but not all are exclusive to this prominent virus.
In fact, many of the listed signs are so general that the NHS issued a warning on its website. NHS advice states: "The symptoms closely resemble those of other illnesses, such as colds and flu."

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have maintained an equally long list of symptoms for some time, although the NHS included only three for nearly two years.

As of Monday, April 4, the official list of general "Covid-19" symptoms now includes:

• A fever or chills.

• A new and persistent cough.

• Loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

• Shortness of breath.

• Feeling tired or exhausted.

• Body aches.

• Headache.

• Sore throat.

• Nasal congestion or runny nose.

• Loss of appetite.

• Diarrhea.

• Feeling sick or actually being sick.

How do Omicron symptoms resemble the common cold?

Omicron XE (the variant of the original Omicron strain) has not yet been thought to have exclusive symptoms, although many of the reported signs closely resemble those associated with colds and flu.

The most common symptoms of the original Omicron strain include: runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat—especially in people who have been vaccinated.

As outlined by the NHS, cold symptoms can appear gradually and include:

• Nasal congestion or runny nose.

• Sore throat.

• Headache.

• Muscle aches.

• Cough.

• Sneezing.

• Fever.

• Pressure in the ears and face.

• Loss of taste and smell.

The two symptom lists seem almost identical, although diarrhea and loss of appetite are more likely to be associated with "Covid-19."

How do you tell the difference between Omicron and the common cold?

While testing is the only way to know if you have "Covid," there are several other possible ways to determine your illness.

Australian Medical Association Vice President Chris Moy claims that some symptoms are stronger indicators of "Covid-19" compared to other respiratory infections.

He said: "High fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell without nasal congestion align more with "Covid-19" than sore throat, runny nose, or cough."

Although Omicron may seem like nothing more than a common cold, the Zoe Covid symptom tracking app warns that it can still "put you in the hospital and kill people."

Professor Tim Spector, the chief scientist behind the app, praised the decision in a tweet saying that the NHS has "finally changed" the list of symptoms after two years of pressure.

He wrote: "It’s unfortunate that the order is wrong, but it’s just a start and could help reduce infections."