People who test positive for the Omicron strain of covid could be left suffering with some of the symptoms "for months" after they have beaten the virus.
The rapid spread of the highly transmissible strain has continued to cause a surge in positive cases across the UK.
Scientists were buoyed to find the new variant is a milder strain of the virus with people who have contracted Omicron complaining of symptoms closely associated with the common cold.
READ MORE: Experts warn specific bathroom habit could be a symptom of Omicron variant
However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned some of the signs and symptoms can still linger - as Birmingham Live reports.
The HSE said: "It can take months to fully recover. Everyone is different. It's important not to compare yourself to others.
"Having good and bad days during your recovery is normal. It's OK to feel this way."
HSE warns physical problems you might experience while recovering include muscle weakness and joint stiffness, as well as extreme tiredness (fatigue) and a lack of energy.
There is also a risk of reduced mobility, breathlessness and phlegm build-up, as well as weaker physical fitness and a loss of appetite and weight loss.
There could also be a lack of sense of smell or taste and stomach problems - this includes heartburn, diarrhoea and vomiting.
The World Health Organisation has said the number of new coronavirus infections in the past week jumped by about 55%, but the number of deaths remained stable.
In the weekly WHO report issued on Tuesday night, the UN health agency said there were about 15 million new Covid-19 cases last week and more than 43,000 deaths.
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