A respiratory skilled has voiced issues over the impression of two strains of Covid at present spreading throughout the UK.

As reported, the Eris - or EG.5.1 - variant arrived within the UK in May this yr, and has gone on to turn out to be the second most prevalent reason for Covid.

It is believed round 800,000 Britons might have been contaminated thus far.

The first recognized case of one other pressure, BA.2.86 - or Pirola - was confirmed within the UK final week.

On August 18, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed a case of Pirola and mentioned it was endeavor a "detailed assessment" to study extra about it.

Pirola has undergone 36 mutations distinguishing it from the XBB.1.5 variant, one thing which might make it significantly harmful.

Dr Mark Faghy, affiliate professor of respiratory physiology on the University of Derby, spoke completely with Express.co.uk in regards to the present state of affairs.

“Eris and Priola are the most commonly reported strains of Covid-19 infection circulating at the moment,” he mentioned.

“There are still things that we don’t know about each of these variants – these include speed of transmission and severity of infection. Investigation into these is ongoing.”

The educational had issues in regards to the severity of an infection from these strains.

Dr Faghy mentioned: “My main concern - if Priola can evade the immunity and cause subsequent/repeat infections, what will this mean in terms of acute severity?

“We are keen to know if two Covid-19 infections close together are linked to worse outcomes at the point of infection.

“This might also create challenges in relation to recovery and the long-term outcomes (long Covid) for patients, as increased severity at acute infection has been shown to increase the likelihood of prolonged/persistent issues.”

Symptoms

The strains share some signs however have some differing indicators, he mentioned.

Dr Faghy defined: “Symptoms of Eris typically follow that of Omicron and include headaches, non-productive cough (i.e no phlegm), muscle aches and pains and cold-like symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose.

“Work is continuing to understand its severity and how quickly it spreads, and this is under constant observation from health authorities.

“Priola is another descendant of Omicron and is causing some alarm, with fears that it may be capable of infecting people who have recently had a Covid-19 infection.

“Whilst this has yet to be confirmed, 36 mutations have so far been identified, and work is ongoing to understand whether Priola can evade the immunity developed from a recent/previous infection.

“Symptoms of Priola include loss of taste/smell, fever, a cough, and cold-like symptoms.”

If you expertise any signs of Covid or check optimistic the NHS advises staying house and avoiding contact with others for 5 days if potential to scale back the chance of spreading an infection.

You ought to keep away from contact with weak individuals for no less than 10 days.