 said it needed more data to be sure of how serious the strain would be. Medics said anyone who felt unwell and was unsure if they had Covid should stay at home if possible, while avoiding contact with vulnerable people. Symptoms of the new variant are similar to other strains, including a fever and a cough. It comes as thousands of Covid cases have been confirmed across the UK in the past week. People aged 65 and over, along with those in a clinical risk group, are now being urged to get a Covid booster vaccine. The UKHSA said: "Vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19. "That's why we're asking over-65s, anyone in a clinical risk group, and anyone living in a household with someone who is in a clinical risk group, to come forward for their vaccination. Their protection since their last vaccination will have waned and they remain at increased risk from a respiratory infection this winter." Symptoms of Pirola Covid variant: Fever Aches and pains Continuous cough Changes in taste and/or smell Tiredness Runny nose Sore throat Vulnerable people and those over 65 are also advised to get a flu jab. "It's also important to note that Covid-19 isn't a special case; respiratory infections can be unpredictable, and we're asking similar groups to get vaccinated against flu," stated the UKHSA. It added it can take a few weeks for protection to build after a jab so it is important to get vaccinated ahead o){kind=link}
The new Covid variant Pirola has hit the UK, with the UKHSA warning anyone who thinks they may have the virus to stay at home and avoid the most vulnerable people
Brits are being warned to look out for symptoms of a new Covid strain and stay at home if they have signs.
The BA.2.86 variant, known as Pirola, has now been detected in the UK and it has prompted experts to bring forward the rollout of the latest Covid booster vaccination as a precaution. In its latest update on the variant, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it needed more data to be sure of how serious the strain would be.
Medics said anyone who felt unwell and was unsure if they had Covid should stay at home if possible, while avoiding contact with vulnerable people. Symptoms of the new variant are similar to other strains, including a fever and a cough. It comes as thousands of Covid cases have been confirmed across the UK in the past week.
People aged 65 and over, along with those in a clinical risk group, are now being urged to get a Covid booster vaccine. The UKHSA said: “Vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19.