Two new Covid symptoms to look out for that could mean you have latest strain are being reported after Christmas. Patients who have experienced the virulent JN.1 Covid strain are said to have reported two more symptoms of coronavirus as it continues to infect.
The Office for National Statistics said in its Winter Coronavirus Infection Study: “There has been an increase in prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in England and Scotland during the two weeks leading up to 13 December 2023.” It added there were fewer people reporting a lack of taste and smell.
Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, told Prevention.com : “There is some data that suggest JN.1’s parent BA.2.86 may be more transmissible than previous variants.
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“Since JN.1 is a derivative of BA.2.86, there is a concern that it may be more transmissible. The updated vaccine is closer to JN.1 than our old vaccine, the hope is that, even if we see more cases with JN.1, the updated vaccine will protect against severe disease.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently flagged the re-emergence of the strain and said more needs to be learned about the variant. On ITV’s This Morning, Dr Nighat Arif spoke of the change.
She said: “So with the new variant, the Pirola variant, we know that not only do you get temperature, runny nose, a headache, we still have that loss of sense of smell, but you might actually get diarrhoea with it. Stomach cramps can also appear with the Pirola strain.”
Dr Arif added that extreme fatigue may also be a tell-tale sign as people have been feeling shattered after catching it. Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best protection. I urge all those eligible to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong. Don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
