Unusual Covid symptoms to look out for as new variant spreads
The Pirola variant of coronavirus which is currently on the rise across the UK has some unusual symptoms that those testing positive for the virus are spotting.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that “sporadic” cases of the BA.2.86 strain - known commonly as the Pirola variant - are being “in most regions” of the UK, and rates are expected to rise as we head into winter as people mix more indoors.
The Pirola strain was first identified in the UK in late August and has since been detected in 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the US.
According to the UKHSA’s latest figures, there have been 54 confirmed cases of Pirola in the UK, 48 of which are in England and six in Scotland. As yet, no cases have been identified in Wales or Northern Ireland.
Of the 48 cases in England, 30 were identified as part of a care home outbreak investigation in the East of England, while the other 18 were identified through routine genomic surveillance.
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A total of 10 of the 48 cases were hospitalised, two were tested in an emergency department and six have unknown hospitalisation status. But the UKHSA has said there were no known deaths due to Covid among these cases. Health experts have said early data indicates that the Pirola strain is no more likely to evade existing antibodies than the XBB.1.5 variant, which has been circulating widely in the UK.
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There is also currently no evidence to suggest that people who are infected with Pirola are likely to become more seriously ill than if they catch other variants currently in circulation, and vaccination should provide continued protection.
The latest data from the ZOE Health Study says the following are currently the most common symptoms of Covid right now are: Runny or blocked nose, headache, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing. But some people can experience more unusual symptoms if they are infected. Some lesser-know warning signs that you might have Covid may include:
Skin rash
Changes in the mouth or tongue (known as Covid tongue) - such as swelling in the mouth and ulcers on the tongue or inner surface of the mouth and lips
Red and sore fingers or toes
Diarrhoea
A hoarse voice
Itchy or red eyes
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The NHS advises that you try to stay at home if you have symptoms and either have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor, UKHSA said: “While this is still very early data and more research is needed before we can be certain, it is encouraging to see an initial indication that BA.2.86 demonstrates similar levels of antibody escape compared to other variants circulating in the UK. The available data is too limited to draw conclusions about the severity of the illness it causes, but there is so far no evidence to suggest that it is more likely to make people seriously ill than other Omicron variants in circulation.
“The autumn vaccination programme started this month, and this new data shows once again how important it is that the most vulnerable among us are fully vaccinated in order to receive the greatest possible protection. I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their next dose as soon as they are called.”
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