You could HEAR the very first warning sign of Omicron before you feel ill

OMICRON symptoms are coming on faster than Delta, it appears.

There are a few telltale signs that you might have the mutant strain - but you may be able HEAR the first symptom before you feel ill.

If people are commenting on the fact that your voice sounds croaky, and you haven't been shouting and singing, it might be time to take a lateral flow.

You might even notice that you sound a little huskier and deeper than usual.

This could be because you are experiencing a scratchy throat - one of the first symptoms of Omicron, according to experts.

Doctors have said patients don't seem to be suffering with sore throats, as Delta sometimes presents with, but scratchy throats.

During a briefing last week, Chief executive of Discovery Health, South Africa’s largest private health insurer, Ryan Roach, said it was the most common symptom Omicron patients are facing.

This is usually followed by nasal congestion, he said, with other common symptoms including a dry cough and pain in the lower back.