UK (Parliament Politic Magazine) – As the passage of time continues, all viruses exhibit a propensity to undergo mutations, leading to alterations in their level of contagiousness, the severity of their impact on the human body, and the efficacy of vaccines and treatments. The ongoing evolution of viruses applies equally to Covid-19, the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus.
Seven COVID-19 Variants
As per information provided by the NHS, the majority of individuals experience an improvement in their condition within a few days or weeks following the onset of their initial Covid-19 symptoms, eventually achieving a complete recovery. Here are 7 COVID-19 variants that are spreading in the UK.
Eris
Eris is characterized as the EG.5.1 coronavirus strain, recently designated a variant of interest by the WHO. It currently holds the position as the second most widespread variant in the UK, trailing behind Arcturus. Its prevalence is also on the rise in regions spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
Despite this increase, the overall rates of hospitalization in the UK remain notably low. Symptoms associated with Eris are akin to those observed in other conditions like colds and the flu. Indicators such as a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, dry or wet cough, headaches, hoarseness, muscle pain, and changes in the sense of smell are all potential manifestations of this variant.
Delta
The Covid-19 Delta variant initially emerged in India in October 2020. Its presence had reached 179 nations by November 2021, playing a role in the UK’s third wave during the middle of that year. As travel restrictions eased, the Delta variant became a significant export from the UK, as well as from the United States, Russia, and Mexico. Unlike the common symptoms of the coronavirus, such as a persistent cough and loss of taste and smell, these are less frequently observed with the Delta variant. Instead, prominent symptoms encompass a headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever.
Alpha:
Originating in the UK in late 2020, the Alpha variant is occasionally referred to as “the UK variant” in other nations. Studies suggested it could be roughly 50% more transmissible than the original virus strain, although findings varied among different research endeavors. Common symptoms encompass fever, chills, cough, breathing difficulties, loss of taste or smell, muscle pain, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Beta:
First identified in South Africa, the Beta variant was classified as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization in December 2020. This variant is thought to be more contagious than the original Wuhan virus strain but doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness. Symptoms for the Beta variant of Covid-19 are akin to those of other variants, including a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and headaches.
Gamma:
Originating in Brazil in January 2021, the Gamma variant spread to as many as 239 locations worldwide. Symptoms associated with the Gamma variant of Covid-19 closely resemble those of other variants, such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and headaches.
Omicron:
Elevated to the status of a variant of concern in November 2021, the Omicron variant witnessed a surge in cases in the UK the previous year. Sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 of Omicron contributed to approximately 22% and 39% of new Covid-19 cases in England, respectively, as of June 2022. Differing from Delta, which primarily affected the lungs, Omicron and its sub-variants tend to induce upper respiratory symptoms like a sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, and runny nose. Headaches, muscle pains, and fatigue are also commonly observed symptoms.
Arcturus:
Arcturus, a sub-variant stemming from Omicron, currently holds the highest prevalence among Covid-19 strains in the UK. Designated a “variant of interest” by the WHO in April 2023, it has been reported in cases spanning 33 countries, including India, the United States, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Brunei, and Japan. Potential symptoms encompass fever, chills, breathing difficulties, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, and conjunctivitis.
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Final Thoughts
Should you find yourself concerned about Covid-19 symptoms affecting either yourself or a child, or if uncertainty regarding appropriate steps arises, it is recommended to seek an urgent appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) or to contact NHS 111 for guidance. In case of a critical situation, remember to dial 999 for emergency assistance.