Differences between a cold and new Covid variant Pirola as schools go back

04 September 2023 , 10:56

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Covid cases are increasing across the UK (Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

Covid cases are increasing at a rapid rate as a new variant sweeps across the UK at the same time children return to school.

Variant BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, has drawn comparisons to the Omicron variant which spread rapidly in late 2021. Already detected in several countries, including the United States, cases of the variant have now also been detected in the UK. Covid BA.2.86 was also found in wastewater as well.

In the UK there were previously two known cases, one in England and one in Scotland, but since then another has been announced in England - with reports suggesting a fourth in Scotland too. None of the cases had a recent travel history, suggesting community transmission within the UK and it was only picked up as all of them were tested as hospital patients. On top of that, some samples of BA.2.86 were found in wastewater according to the latest government release.

Details of the new variant emerged after latest estimates showed the number of Covid infections in the UK almost doubled over the last month. New data from the ZOE health study shows there were 92,965 new daily cases of symptomatic infection on September 1, nearly double the 50,000 we were seeing at the start of August.

Variant BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, has been identified in the UK and several other countries (Getty Images)

With thousands of children returning to school this week after a six-week summer holiday, it's feared cases could continue to increase across the country. Reduced levels of testing mean the new variant could be more widespread, although Pirola is not yet being treated as a ‘variant of concern’.

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Dr Nick Phin, director of public health science at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said: “While we are not concerned about the current levels of Covid-19, the identification of BA.2.86 in Scotland means that we are now working with health boards to ensure those most vulnerable to illness are protected this winter.”

So, with cases increasing and schools returning, it's important to know the difference between a common cold and the new Covid variant Pirola. Mirror Online takes a detailed look at the symptoms of both below...

What are the symptoms of Pirola?

So far, there does not appear to have been any observed symptoms that are out of the ordinary when it comes to Covid. The key signs are what you might expect from Covid, including:

• Sore throat
• Cough (with or without phlegm)
• Headaches
• Runny or blocked nose

FDA spokesperson James McKinney said to CBS that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes so far that current Covid tests will be effective in detecting Pirola. "The agency will update this page when significant new information becomes available, including when the FDA's analyses identify tests for which performance may be impacted for known SARS-CoV-2 variants," McKinney said.

Thousands of children return to school this week (Getty Images)

What is being done?

Due to the little data, and how early on it is, it is difficult to draw conclusions on the exact nature of Pirola. But as a precautionary measure, the flu and Covid autumn vaccine programmes have been brought forward and will now start on September 11.

Chief Executive of the UKHSA, Dame Jenny Harries, said: “As we continue to live with COVID-19 we expect to see new variants emerge. Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built strong, broad immune defences against new variants throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19.

“This precautionary measure to bring forward the autumn programme will ensure these people have protection against any potential wave this winter. There is limited information available at present on BA.2.86 so the potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate.

“As with all emergent and circulating COVID-19 variants - both in the UK and internationally - we will continue to monitor BA.2.86 and to advise government and the public as we learn more. In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.”

What are the symptoms of a cold?

According to the NHS, you can often treat a cold without seeing a GP and those who fall ill should begin to feel better after one to two weeks. Anyone who gets a cold is urged to rest and sleep, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children).

If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, the NHS urge you to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

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The symptoms for a cold include:

• a blocked or runny nose
• a sore throat
• headaches
• muscle aches
• coughs
• sneezing
• a raised temperature
• pressure in your ears and face
• loss of taste and smell

The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.

When should I go and see a GP?

According to the NHS, you can often treat a cold without seeing a doctor. However, they urge you to book an appointment with your local GP if:

• your symptoms do not improve after three weeks
• your symptoms get suddenly worse
• your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery
• you're concerned about your child's symptoms
• you're feeling short of breath or develop chest pain
• you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition
• you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you're having chemotherapy

Sam Truelove