What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 variant Pirola?
Granskad av Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGPAuthored by Lydia SmithUrsprungligen publicerad 9 Oct 2023
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Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise, fuelled by the spread of a new variant called Pirola. But how can you tell if you have the virus - and should you isolate yourself?
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new COVID-19 and flu dashboard following an increase in the number of infected patients in hospitals in the UK.
According to the dashboard, there were more than 11,000 positive COVID-19 cases reported in England in the week leading up to and including 20 September 20231. However, although cases are on the rise, they are not as high as they were this time in 2022.
The rise in new cases has been linked to the COVID-19 variant BA.2.86, which is also known as Pirola. It is a sub-variant of Omicron and has more than 30 mutations in its spike protein, compared with other Omicron variants. This means it may spread more easily, as the spike protein is how the virus enters human cells.
The UKHSA said Pirola has been identified in most regions, but added that vaccination offered protection against serious illness caused by the coronavirus.
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor of the UKHSA said in a statement:
"The autumn vaccination programme has started 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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What are the symptoms of Pirola?
The most common symptoms include: Sneezing, halsont, huvudvärk, trötthet, high temperature, a runny nose, changes to your sense of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms include: Skin rashes, changes in the mouth or tongue - such as ulcers or soreness - sore fingers or toes, diarré and itchy eyes2.
Should you self-isolate if you have COVID-19?
Tillbaka till innehållIf you or your child have tested positive for COVID-19, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you are under 18.
If you’re over 18, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test.
It’s important to avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses -such as the elderly or people with a weakened immune system - for 10 days after the day you took your test.
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Where to get a COVID-19 test
Tillbaka till innehållSome people are eligible for free COVID-19 lateral flow tests.
You may be able to get free COVID-19 tests if:
You have a certain health condition and are eligible for COVID-19 treatment on the NHS. For example, if you have a weakened immune system, HIV or AIDS, Downs syndrom, severe liver disease or if you are receiving treatment for cancer.
You work in healthcare or in a hospice.
If you aren't eligible for free COVID-19 tests, you can buy them at a pharmacy.
Vidare läsning
Tillbaka till innehållPatient picks for Variants information
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Despite lockdown restrictions easing following a drop in cases, hospitalisations and deaths compared to previous months, the threat of COVID-19 remains in the UK. Various strains of the virus have emerged throughout the pandemic - notably the Kent, South African and Brazilian variants - and now a new variant of concern has emerged, originating in India.
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What we know about the IHU COVID-19 variant
As long as COVID-19 continues to spread, mutations of the virus will continue to happen. Although the UK is still grappling with the large number of cases of the easily transmissible Omicron variant, researchers have been reporting on a new strain called B.1.640.2 or IHU detected in France. But is it as worrying as other variants of COVID-19 - and what do we know about it so far?
av Lydia Smith
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About the author
Lydia Smith
Feature writer
BA, MA, MSc
Lydia Smith is an award-winning journalist and feature writer who has written extensively on women's health and mental health. She is currently studying for an MSc in psychology.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP
Chief Medical Officer for Health, Optum UK
MBChB, MRCGP(2013), BMedSci (hons), DFSRH, DRCOG, PGDipDerm (Distn)
Dr Krishna Vakharia is an NHS GP. She is also a regular examiner for the postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology at Cardiff University as well as being the Chief Medical Officer for health at Optum UK.
Artikelhistorik
Informationen på denna sida är granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.
9 Oct 2023 | Ursprungligen publicerad
Författad av:
Lydia SmithGranskad av
Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP
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