New COVID-19 Strain Affects Faces As Symptoms Begin To Change
New Delhi: The BA.2.86 or Pirola strain of COVID-19 is a highly mutated variant that has changed the symptoms of the infection. Even though the strain has not caused a huge uptick in cases, doctors say that the signs of the disease are changing, with it starting to affect people’s faces.
The earlier telltale signs like the loss of sense of taste or smell, a hacking cough, and breathlessness have become less common.
Pirola also has other distinct symptoms like diarrhoea and fatigue, aches and pains, high fever, tiredness, a runny nose, and sore throat.
According to health experts, apart from most of the previous signs, Pirola can also be identified with visible facial symptoms like eye irritation or pink eye and a bad skin rash. Doctors say they have found the new bug affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose and voice box as well.
The authorities have called for speeding up the vaccination drive to prevent the infection, especially among those with compromised immunity – like the elderly and children.
“Viruses mutate often and at random, and it is not unexpected that new variants will continue to arise as the pandemic goes on, particularly while the case rate remains high… it should serve as objective evidence that this pandemic is not over,” Dr. Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told the Daily Mail.
“The public health advice is the same for all current variants. Get vaccinated and, for those eligible, come forward for your third or booster dose as appropriate as soon as you are called. Continue to exercise caution. Wear a mask in crowded spaces and, when meeting people indoors, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. If you have symptoms take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result,” she added.
The BA.2.86 coronavirus variant first emerged in July after a heavy mutation from the previous variants of Omicron which were dominant. A vaccination drive was introduced across the UK to battle the Pirola strain, and so far authorities have confirmed there has not been any concerning increase in cases.
There are also a few lesser-known symptoms to be aware of, which include:
Digestive issues
Problems in digestion were more common towards the beginning of the pandemic
Toe changes
Many people experienced reddish bumps on their fingers and toes, and occasionally they turned sore
Confusion
A few people, particularly the elderly experience confusion and delirium. (Timesnow)