Unusual new Covid Omicron symptom discovered by scientists - and it affects the back

Researchers investigating the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 have shared what some of the most frequent symptoms are.

The scientists, who have analysed 78,000 Omicron cases in South Africa, discovered that the new strain tends to have symptoms similar to that of a common cold.

A scratchy throat, runny nose, sore head, and sneezing - as well as a sore throat and night sweats - are all symptoms that have been associated with the variant.

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Symptoms of previous strains of Covid include a loss of sense of taste or smell, a persistent dry cough, and a fever, as reported by Hull Live.

A more unusual symptom of Omicron that researchers have discovered is back pain.

The symptoms of the new variant are similar to that of a common cold (Getty Images)

Chief executive of South Africa's largest private health insurer Discovery Health Ryan Noach, said lower back pain was being reported as a common symptom.

Doctors have listed the symptom as myalgia - muscle aches and pains.

Discovery Health conducted the research into the 78,000 cases.