{"id":130139,"date":"2023-09-13T08:35:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T08:35:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluemull.com\/?p=130139"},"modified":"2023-09-13T08:35:16","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T08:35:16","slug":"professor-warns-covid-pirola-should-be-treated-with-caution-signs-to-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluemull.com\/lifestyle\/professor-warns-covid-pirola-should-be-treated-with-caution-signs-to-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"Professor warns Covid Pirola should be treated with caution – signs to spot"},"content":{"rendered":"

GMB: Professor Susan Hopkins asked about symptoms of Covid<\/h3>\n

The Covid variant BA.2.86, dubbed Pirola, is the latest Omicron strain to appear this summer, sparking concern among many experts because of its large number of mutations.<\/p>\n

Scientists have established the subvariant carries 30 more mutations in the spike protein than the previous dominant strain, which could make it more likely to evade the immune system or be more transmissible.<\/p>\n

However, so far there is little evidence to suggest that the Omicron spin-off is more concerning than the dozens of strains that came before.<\/p>\n

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed there were 34 cases of Pirola in England, as of September 4.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Five people have been hospitalised with the strain but no deaths have been reported.<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> ‘I’m a professor – these are Covid Pirola symptoms you should be vigilant about’<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Out of the 34 cases, 28 were caused by a single outbreak at a care home in Norfolk.<\/p>\n

The UKHSA explained that this could be \u201can early indicator\u201d that the variant may be sufficiently transmissible to have an effect in close-contact settings.<\/p>\n

Emily E. Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, told Express.co.uk that the new strain should be treated with \u201ccaution\u201d.<\/p>\n

Volk said: \u201cAs both a pathologist and a mom, I can\u2019t stress enough how vital it is to address any new COVID-19 variants, like Pirola, with caution.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWith most kids now in school, we need to make sure they are vaccinated.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they have chronic conditions like asthma for example, it might be a good idea to have them wear a mask, at least while indoors, and to pay attention to their hygiene.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a physician, I can\u2019t stress enough how important it is to wash those hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething as simple as that can really make a difference in keeping all the Covid variants at bay.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Don’t miss… <\/strong>
‘I’m a professor – these are Covid Pirola symptoms you should be vigilant about'[EXCLUSIVE] <\/strong>
UKHSA professor issues advice on Covid symptoms as Pirola continues to spread[EXPERT] <\/strong>
A cold or Pirola – the different symptoms to spot as new Covid variant emerges[SIGNS] <\/strong><\/p>\n

The professor added that every new Covid variant is a \u201cpotential cause for concern\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe main problem is that some of these new variants may not be included in the newest vaccines,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, Moderna\u2019s new updated Covid boosters to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, known as Kraken, are expected to work well against the Pirola as well, according to the company\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

The jabs, which have now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, are expected to be made available later this week.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of Pirola?<\/h3>\n

Because the number of Pirola cases remains low, there\u2019s currently no specific list of symptoms linked to the Omicron spin-off.<\/p>\n

However, the professor recommended looking out for the following signs:<\/p>\n