Experts warn new Covid variant has different symptoms to look out for
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A fresh Covid variant has emerged in Ireland and specialists say there are different symptoms to be aware of compared to other strains.
Dubbed NB. 1.8.1, the new variant has witnessed a swift climb in Ireland lately. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) notes that the portion of sequenced Covid cases linked to NB.1.8. 1 has soared from a mere 3.7% to a hefty 33.3% within the past five weeks, reports the Irish Mirror.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has tagged NB. 1.8.1 as a "variant under monitoring" thanks to its brisk global proliferation. It's now responsible for upwards of 10% of sequenced Covid infections globally, reigning supreme as the predominant strain in locations like China and Hong Kong.
The new strain has also been detected in the UK, USA and Australia, and several holiday hotspots such as Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives have reported cases too. However, what's really grabbing medical professionals' attention is how this variant might tweak the usual symptoms we're used to.
Instead of the standard respiratory issues other versions tend to cause, NB.1.8.1 has been associated with gastrointestinal distress in some sufferers, including nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and heartburn. Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University at Griffith University, said: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases."
She noted there's no solid evidence indicating NB. 1.8.1 is more severe, adding: "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants."
Dr Scott Roberts, a Yale infectious disease expert, said that Covid sees spikes twice yearly – during winter and summer seasons – variant notwithstanding. He told NBC news last week: "I'm going to go ahead and guess that it's going to lead to an uptick in the summer - probably a mild to moderate one".
Dr Thomas Russo from the University at Buffalo voiced concerns to the same outlet about complacency, cautioning: "It may unfortunately come back with a little bit of vengeance on us. Let's hope that doesn't happen, but I am concerned that we may be setting ourselves up for that with this combination of factors."
The WHO continues to advise against new travel or trade restrictions but calls for countries to stay vigilant, clarifying: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Ireland's current health stance remains unchanged: Folks presenting Covid symptoms should self-isolate until they've been symptom-free for 48 hours, staying clear of others, particularly those most vulnerable to the virus.
The HSE has issued a reminder to the public about the extensive list of Covid symptoms to be aware of. These include:
fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills
dry cough
fatigue (tiredness)
loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal
nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose)
conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye)
sore throat
headache
muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
different types of skin rash
nausea or vomiting
diarrhoea
chills
dizziness
shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
loss of appetite
confusion
pain or pressure in the chest
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