Latest symptoms of new Covid variants that can trigger hay fever

New strains of coronavirus, known as FLiRT and FLuQE, are reportedly causing an upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases in both the UK and US, amongst other parts of the world. As a result, hospitals within the UK have reinstated mask-wearing policies in an attempt to decrease case numbers.

These new variants of Covid are suspected to be behind last month's rise in hospital admissions related to the virus, accounting for roughly 40% of all present cases throughout the UK.

There is now growing concern that these new strains could be exacerbating hay fever symptoms. According to data from the NHS, approximately one in five UK residents may experience hay fever symptoms this summer.

This comes after a surge in hayfever sufferers seeking NHS advice mid-June - a 147% increase, according to Daily Star.

Express also reports that previous hay fever sufferers are noticing more severe symptoms this year. Rebecca Owen, exercise and sports lecturer at the University of Derby, explained this connection to Telegraph by stating: "A lot of people have had Covid-19, and infections can make us more susceptible to allergies.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

Further adding: "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."

Despite her findings, Owen emphasises that only testing can distinguish hay fever from FLiRT.

The NHS has listed the following as symptoms of COVID-19:

a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath feeling tired or exhausted an aching body a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its list of Covid symptoms to include:

Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhoea