We all know to look out for a new cough, a runny nose and feeling tired as we head into winter and Covid, flu and other viruses start to spread again.
But one little-known symptom is spreading right now just as confirmed cases of the so-called ‘American Covid’ XFG Stratus strain continue to rise.
Cases of Covid have increased another 13.5% week on week to October 7, according to UKHSA data, with Covid deaths up a staggering 46.4% week on week and hospital admissions up 33.5% and a significant portion of these will be the American Covid strain.
For September, the UKHSA revealed that the rate of positive Covid tests in hospitals increased from 5.9% to 7%, and more than half were found to be the American Covid or Stratus variant of XFG, first identified last January and which has since spread globally.
While not a symptom limited only to the new American Covid strain, many catching Covid this year have reported problems with back pain.
According to American health firm ADA, Covid can cause back pain due to myalgia, which is a common complication of viral infections.
ADA says: “Back pain is a symptom that is often reported by those who have fallen ill due to the coronavirus. The primary source of this back pain stems from myalgia, which is characterised by muscle aches and pain. Myalgia is a common symptom of viral infections such as COVID-19 and may affect a certain area of the body, such as the back, or may spread more widely.
“One of the causes for this myalgia may be the reaction of the immune system, which releases pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which can cause the onset of body aches such as back pain.
“Back pain from COVID can last quite a while. It may start during your illness or in the weeks afterward. It’s one of the most common symptoms of long COVID. If you notice that your back keeps bothering you weeks after your COVID-19 infection, you should contact your healthcare provider or physiotherapist for advice and treatment.
“Chronic back pain with COVID may be explained because of the affinity that the coronavirus has to bind to ACE2 receptors. This enables the virus to enter our cells and cause damage. One of the places where the virus can enter is the neural tissue, which may trigger chronic pain syndromes such as back pain.”
For those struggling with Covid linked back pain this winter, ADA says there is something you can do.
In its advice, it suggests:
You can find temporary relief in over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, naproxen, or creams, which you can find at your local pharmacy. However, it’s crucial also to address the cause of your back pain.
Physiotherapy: getting help from a healthcare provider can help you find relief from your back pain. This will usually be a combination of massage techniques and exercises which help you strengthen your back muscles again.
Temperature therapy: applying heat to your back can help boost blood circulation and reduce stiffness.
Make lifestyle changes: a sedentary lifestyle can induce back pain, so it’s essential to stay active. It’s also important to pay attention to ergonomy [such as posture] when working, driving, or lifting weights.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
