The official list of Covid symptoms on the NHS website has been extended to include NINE new signs you may be infected with the virus.

The extension of the official symptoms list comes just days after the Government ended the offer of free universal Covid-19 tests.

Covid infection rates are currently at a record high in the UK with almost five million people estimated to be currently infected with the illness responsible for a global pandemic.

The extension of the symptoms list to include ailments such as sore throat, fatigue and headache could help to reduce infections, one expert said.

New Covid symptoms recognised by the NHS

The new symptoms have been added to the NHS website, along with the three traditional symptoms of a fever, a new and persistent cough, and a loss or change in taste or smell.

According to nhs.uk the signs of Covid-19 that people should look out for also include:

– 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.

A note on website adds: “The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.”

What to do if you have Covid symptoms

If you have symptoms, you should self-isolate immediately and book a test. If you test positive, you should self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started.

If you've had a positive PCR or LFD test result but no symptoms, you should self-isolate for 10 days from the date of your test.

You may be able to end self-isolation early if you have 2 negative LFD test results in a row from day 6 onwards, taken 24 hours apart.