Covid cases are starting to rise again as a new variant sweeps across the UK. Known as Pirola, the BA.2.86 has been detected in several UK cases last month and is reportedly a heavily-mutated version of Omicron.
The Mirror has reported that none of the cases had a recent travel history, which points to it being spread as part of community transmission. The variant was only picked up as all of them were tested as hospital patients.
The new variant has emerged after latest estimates showed the number of Covid infections in the UK almost doubled over the last month. In Coventry, there has been a rise in cases as well as a more than ten per cent rise in Covid hospital admissions.
Reduced levels of testing mean the new variant could be more widespread, although Pirola is not yet being treated as a ‘variant of concern’. However, given that many pupils return to the classroom this week after the summer holiday, there are suggestions that cases such as colds and even Covid cases could start to rise further.
With this in mind, it is helpful to know the difference between a common cold and the new Covid variant Pirola. The Mirror has put together the latest on symptoms.
Pirola- what are the symptoms?
As the variant is still in its relative infancy, so far there are no observed symptoms that are out of the ordinary. The key signs are what you might expect from Covid, including:
- Cough (with or without phlegm)
- Headaches
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sore throat
There are more marked symptoms for a cold, 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.
The symptoms for a cold include:
- a blocked or runny nose
- sneezing
- coughs
- headaches
- muscle aches
- loss of taste and smell
- pressure in your ears and face
- a sore throat
- a raised temperature
The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.
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