Scientists say the new Pirola Covid mutation sweeping its way through the UK has around 30 different mutations and may be difficult to differentiate from a common cold this winter infection season.
Once again it’s that time of year where the number of Covid infections begin to creep their way up.
With children back at school and days getting shorter and chillier, coronavirus rates are steadily rising, and now there’s a new super-mutated strain working its way through the population.
The Pirola variant is on its way to becoming the dominant strain in the UK, with the country having been highlighted as a hub of cases.
Scientists say there could be as many as 30 mutations of Pirola, making it harder for the World Health Organisation to keep a tab on its circulation. The number of mutations also sparked initial fears it could be harder for our immunity to fend off.
It’s now estimated there are Pirola cases in most UK regions since it was first detected in Denmark in July. As of September 18, the highly-mutated strain from Omicron variant has now been confirmed in 54 positive Covid-19 cases. The real figure may be considerably higher as levels of testing are much lower now than 2022 and 2021.
Covid cases soar as UK braces for tough winter – all infection rates where you live
And now with flu season just around the corner, the NHS is particularly worried about pressures on wards from the number of infections. Doctors and public health experts are urging Brits who are elderly or clinically vulnerable to get their boosters this autumn, while a full list of symptoms to watch out for has been released.
The symptoms of Pirola are not assumed to be different from the common symptoms of other Covid variants, and there is currently no evidence to suggest it is any more deadly or contagious than previous variants.
The signs of infection, according to NHS Inform, include:
continuous cough
high temperature, fever or chills
loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
shortness of breath
unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
What should you do if you’re displaying symptoms of Covid?
If you have symptoms of Covid it is advised that you stay at home and avoid contact with others.
If you need to go out while displaying symptoms, public health officials advise wearing well-fitted face coverings in indoor public spaces. Testing is no longer free in the UK, although lateral flow test kits are available in most chemists and supermarkets.
While there is currently no longer a legal requirement for people with symptoms to work from home, people are advised to stay at home if possible.
