IN the almost four years since Covid-19 reared its head, we’ve all been primed to look for certain symptoms that indicate we’ve got the bug.
But as strains of the virus mutate and new strains drive up case numbers, it can be hard to pinpoint what telltale signs to watch out for.
The new Pirola Covid variant can caused eye irritation[/caption]The latest one to dominate the UK and other countries is the BA.2.86 strain, nicknamed ‘Pirola’ by scientists.
With NHS vaccines director Steve Russell calling it the “most concerning variant since Omicron”, it prompted health officials the autumn jabs roll out forward as a “precautionary measure”.
Despite fears the new variant would cause another health crisis, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) officials said in September that Pirola didn’t seem to be more severe than Omicron or more resistant to immunity from jabs.
And so far, it doesn’t seem to have driven up hospitalisations.
The UKHSA’s most recent report indicated that case numbers decreased by 8.7 per cent in the week leading up to November 2, while hospitalisations also fell.
But people are still getting ill from Covid-19 and health experts have warned that people should keep their eyes peeled for a specific set of symptoms caused by Pirola.
The variants can cause two specific two specific changes to people’s faces that weren’t seen when previous strains reigned rampant, according to Dr Johannes Uys, a GP from Broadgate General Practice.
He told the Express that “unlike most previous variants, Covid Pirola can cause visible facial symptoms”.
These are:
Previous reports have suggested that Pirola can also more cold-like symptoms that we were used to seeing with other variants.
Dr Erick Eiting from Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York, US, told NBC news: “It’s a lot of congestion, sometimes sneezing, usually a mild sore throat.”
He explained that people tend to be struck with a sore throat first, before their nose getting bunged up.
The ZOE Health Study has kept track of the most common symptoms caused by Covid-19, tracking how they’ve changed over time and what new symptoms emerge.
It said that symptoms flagged in 2020 as ‘typical’ of the virus – such as loss of smell, shortness of breath and fever – are much less common these days.
Instead, it said the top 10 symptoms reported by people with positive Covid-19 tests are:
Some 8.6million eligible Brits have have had their Covid booster.
But millions of those at risk of serious illness — including pregnant women and those with ongoing health conditions — have yet to take up their free dose.
Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best protection.
“I urge all those eligible to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong.
“Don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”
Those eligible for an autumn Covid vaccine include:
Source: The NHS
The NHS says you might be able to look after yourself at home if you get diagnosed with Covid.
You’re no longer required to do a rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.
But if you or your child test positive for Covid-19, it advised you: