Three new Covid symptoms flagged as NB.1.8.1 strain hits holiday hotspots

Dublin Live

10 hours ago

Health experts have pinpointed three key symptoms of the latest Covid strain that's hit Ireland and the UK, with signs that may differ from what we've typically come to expect from the virus.
Despite it being over five years since the pandemic first shook the world, Covid-19 is still very much present, evolving into new variants as it continues to affect individuals globally. The most recent variant, dubbed NB.1.8.1, has spread in several countries, including major holiday destinations, after being identified earlier in January as a follow on from the Omicron variant.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has observed a surge in Covid cases linked to NB.1.8.1, jumping from 3.7 to 33 percent in the past five weeks. In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled it a "variant under monitoring" due to its rapid spreading, reports the Irish Mirror.
While we've commonly associated Covid symptoms with respiratory issues like difficulty breathing and coughing, the symptoms of NB. 1.8. 1 are related to the digestive system.
This strain now represents over 10% of sequenced Covid infections worldwide and has become the predominant strain in China and Hong Kong. As well as Ireland, this variant has also been detected in the UK, US, and Australia, not to mention several sought-after holiday destinations such as Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives.
Writing for The Conversation, Dr Lara Herrero, associate professor and virology research leader at Griffith University in Australia, explained that this variant could be faster spreading than others. She said: 'The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination.
"These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data."
However, she added: "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants."
The "classic" Covid symptoms like coughing, sore throat, aching body, and loss of taste or smell are well-known, but there might be less obvious signs associated with the NB. 1.8. 1 variant.
"Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants," Dr Herrero said. She also noted that some individuals might experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
As reported by The Independent these symptoms could include:
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Nausea
This could mean that it is easier to mistake a Covid infection for a different illness. But Dr Herrero added that this variant could also be accompanied by a sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion.
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