Scientists issue warning over back pain that could be omicron symptom

A new report has revealed that back pain could be a symptom of omicron.

The study by Discover Health, which looked into 78,000 cases of the new variant in South Africa, revealed the most common symptoms - and some which differ from other variants.

Health experts in the UK have previously identified that the new variant not only transmits faster but has other symptoms which people should look out for.

Although it has milder symptoms than, for example, the delta variant, the Government have said that it is likely to become the dominant variant within days.

In the past, people have been told to look out for three key indicators of the virus - a new and continuous cough, a fever and a loss of taste or smell.

Now omicron is reported to give symptoms more like a common cold - a scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing and headache with some having also reported a sore throat and night sweats.

Back pain is a new 'common symptom' in people with the omicron variant of Covid. (Getty)

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But in addition to other indicators, doctors in South Africa have identified back pain as another common symptom which people should keep an eye out for - especially if it hasn't been bothersome before.

Muscle aches and pains - also known as myalgia is another common indicator.