Symptoms of new Covid variant to spot as NB.1.8.1 reaches UK
Symptoms of new Covid variant to spot as NB.1.8.1 reaches UK
This easily transmissible variant could cause symptoms you may not expect
The NB.1.8.1 variant of Covid could cause some lesser-known symptoms
(Image: Getty )
A new Covid variant that has reached the UK could cause three key symptoms, which may be different from what you might expect from the virus. Despite it being over half a decade since the pandemic's onset, COVID-19 continues to spread globally.
The latest variant detected is NB. 1.8.1, descended from the infamous Omicron, first identified in January. This particular strain has seen a significant surge in prevalence across several nations.
Data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) indicates a sharp increase in the proportion of Covid samples containing NB. 1.8. 1, soaring from a mere 3.7 per cent to 33.3 per cent within five weeks. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has placed NB. 1.8. 1 on its watchlist as a "variant under monitoring" due to its rapid proliferation.
Currently, this variant represents over 10 per cent of sequenced Covid cases globally and has become the predominant strain in regions such as China and Hong Kong. It has also been identified in the UK, US, Australia, and several sought-after holiday destinations including Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives.
Dr Lara Herrero, an associate professor and virology research leader at Griffith University in Australia, writing for The Conversation, has shared insights on the potentially quicker transmissibility of a Covid variant. 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." Yet, she also mentioned: "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants."
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Symptoms
Symptoms that we typically associate with Covid such as coughing, a sore throat, bodily aches, and loss of taste or smell are well known. Nevertheless, Dr Herrero points out that there may be additional, lesser-known symptoms related to the NB.1.8. 1 variant.
"Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants," stated Dr Herrero. She further noted that certain individuals might experience gastrointestinal manifestations.
As reported by The Independent, these may entail:
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.
What to do if you have Covid
While there are no longer any self-isolation mandates in the UK, the NHS recommends avoiding contact with others if you experience symptoms. It says you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child has symptoms and either:
Have a high temperature
Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
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You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. But if you test positive, you should:
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