The new Pirola strain is being blamed for the recent rise in cases across the UK – although not all have been identified as this new variant.
Symptoms are similar to other mutations and include sneezing, sore throat, rose nose and headache, along with mild fatigue.
Pirola has more than 30 mutations in its spike protein, and experts say this means it is proving to be highly immune evasive.
Professor Stephen Griffith of Leeds University said: “It’s not necessarily causing the big waves yet but it may be that in the future, it is the beginning of something else.
“We know it’s definitely able to avoid antibodies in our blood, but we haven’t seen it infect enough people yet to understand how serious it is. I think it’s about being cautious and biding our time.”
With Covid tests no longer free in the UK, many are questioning whether they should still go to work or school, so Express Health has compiled the latest Government guidance on the rules.
