A professor has issued advice about Covid BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola, symptoms as cases continue to rise in the UK.
The ZOE health study, which estimates figures for UK Covid infections, suggests there were 100,516 new daily cases of symptomatic infection on September 10.
This rise follows the emergence of new variants, dubbed Eris and Pirola.
Eris, or EG.5.1, is considered the second most prevalent variant in the UK after Arcturus.
However, Covid BA.2.86 has recently caused an outbreak at a care home in Norfolk, triggering 28 cases.
Pirola carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein, which could raise the possibility that the variant could evade the immune system more easily or be more transmissible.
In a briefing note on Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there was likely to be community transmission, but added it was too early to judge the full extent of its spread.
The outbreak was “an early indicator” that the variant may be sufficiently transmissible to have an effect in close-contact settings, the health body explained.
As symptom awareness remains crucial, Express.co.uk spoke to professor Emily E. Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, about the key signs to spot.
Because the known number of Pirola cases remains low, there’s currently no specific list of symptoms linked to the strain.
“At this moment, we don’t have enough data to pinpoint specific symptoms for the Pirola variant,” Volk said.
However, she recommended staying “vigilant” about the following signs:
- Loss of taste or smell,
- Fever/chills
- Muscle aches.
The professors explained that “it’s more important than ever” to get tested if you’re feeling sick.
With Covid cases surging and autumn getting closer every day, it’s crucial to differentiate between viruses like flu and coronavirus.
Volk said: “The symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and the flu often mimic each other, making it tough to differentiate.
“If you’re under the weather, don’t hesitate – get tested to know what you’re dealing with so you can protect yourself and others.”
She recommended reaching for lateral flow tests and following the enclosed directions closely.
