Covid-19: These are the symptoms to look for as new variants spread, according to pharmacist

Two new Covid-19 variants are on the rise in the UK and amid the current bad weather and waning immunity this summer, cases have surged. The Zoe Health Study, which estimates figures for UK Covid infections, revealed that on July 4, it was estimated that 606,656 cases had been reported compared to 785,980 on 27 July.

As reported by Express, experts are now concerned that a new wave is coming to the UK due to the change of seasons and autumnal weather. Since there are two new variants, it is key that the symptoms to be aware of are known.

Adeem Azhar, clinical pharmacist and co-founder of Core Prescribing Solutions has decided to share the latest symptoms with Express.

Covid-19 symptoms to look for

According to Adeem Azhar, the symptoms of the two new Covid-19 variants are actually similar to the original strain:

The most common symptoms of Covid, including the new variants like Eris and Pirola, seem to be similar to the original strain

Symptoms include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Altered sense of smell.

Read more: New Eris Covid variant is fast-spreading across the UK, find out how badly your town is affected

Read more:

⋙ Expert warns 'there are signals' that second pandemic is possible, and it's not Covid

⋙ Covid-19: Picking your nose could increase your chances of catching the disease

What do we know about the two new Covid-19 variants?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Eris variant, or EG.5.1, is now the second-most common strain in the UK and the most common in the US.

As reported by Express, the Eris variant may elude antibodies that people have developed from previous infections or vaccines. It is also believed that this strain doesn’t cause more severe symptoms. However, it is still too early to tell whether or not it is more or less infectious.

The second new variant is the Pirola strain, also known as BA.2.86, which was recorded on August 18. The person who contracted this strain had not recently travelled, suggesting it has some degree of transmission in the country, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

The Pirola strain contains 30 more mutations in the spike protein compared to any other previous strain, as reported by scientists.

According to Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Principal Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, these mutations could suggest that Pirola is ‘potentially more transmissible and severe’.

However, again, it is too soon to tell and the variant will be monitored.

Sources used:

Express: 'I'm a pharmacist — here are the symptoms of the new Covid strain we're seeing'