Four key signs and symptoms of the new Covid 'Pirola' strain as it hits the UK

A new strain of Covid has arrived in Britain, it has been confirmed. And following its discovery it's vital to be aware of the key signs and symptoms.

The highly mutated BA.2.86 - or ‘Pirola’ - has been found in a number of other countries according to the UK Health Security Agency, the Mirror reports. Despite confirming the existence of a case in the UK, the UKHSA declined to confirm any more details.

But it is the number of genetic changes to the new version of the Omicorn variant which is the cause for concern - experts believe the new strain could have up to 30 changes in its protein makeup. Scientists are on alert as it is believed the mutations could dodge the body's immunity from prior infections or vaccination.

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Only six cases of the strain have thus far been detected worldwide, but top scientists said it's clear it will spread much more widely. Therefore, it is more important than ever to be aware of the symptoms to stay wary of the new variant.

The key symptoms are what you might expect from Covid, including:

It is still vital to get tested if you are experiencing the above symptoms. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, said testing and being vigilant was vital in the fight against the coronavirus. “We wouldn’t know if the virus is changing, in case we don’t test enough. Testing is vital to see how the virus is evolving,” he said.

As yet, there is no sign that the Pirola strain is any more harmful than those which have come previously - although it is thought it might be more easily spreadable. Typically, viruses become less deadly as they mutate as this gives them a better chance of survival -