A pharmacist has urged Britons to remember the key signs and symptoms of Covid after a new variant was detected in the UK. The Cicada variant is a descendant of Omicron, a highly transmissible strain first identified in late 2021.
Cicada, also known as BA.3.2, carries mutations which could help it evade immunity generated by past infection or vaccination. Community pharmacist Paul Barry, an NHS business partner for Well Pharmacy, said the variant appeared to have over 70 genetic modifications. He added: “This could trick the immune system into not recognising that it is Covid and can allow for the Cicada variant to quickly spread across the UK.”
Cicada was first detected in South Africa in November 2024 and has been classified as a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organisation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) described the strain as “highly divergent” and said there were early indications that it is increasing in prevalence in the UK.
Mr Barry urged people to look out for the classic symptoms of Covid. These are:
- a high temperature or shivering
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
It is normal for viruses to mutate and change and there is currently no evidence that Cicada causes more severe disease than previous strains.
A recent blog post from the UKHSA said: “The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.”
The NHS spring Covid booster campaign is due to begin on April 13 and run until June 30.
Jabs will be offered to all adults aged 75 and over, care home residents and people aged six months and over who have weakened immune systems.
Many pharmacies are also offering private Covid vaccination services. Mr Barry added: “I would urge all patients to consider getting a Spring vaccine as for many it will be almost five years since they have had a Covid vaccine.
“While the vaccine is not specifically altered to target the new variant, it still offers the best form of protection against the virus.
“Patients who believe they might be vulnerable for Covid should book in for a Spring vaccine to ensure peace of mind as well as protection against the most severe effects of the virus.
“It’s important that everyone does their part, if you are testing positive for Covid then please do follow the NHS guidelines and don’t go to crowded places.”
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