Two new forms of the Omicron strain have been identified as official offshoots of the virus and as variants of concern in the UK.
So far, a small number of BA.4 and BA.5 variant Covid-19 cases have been identified in the UK. However it’s believed that on 29 April, the new variants were the most dominant strain in South Africa – where cases are currently increasing sevenfold.
South Africa’s Covid-19 cases went up from an average of 300 per day in early April to roughly 8,000 per day by Saturday 22 May.
What are the BA.4 and BA.5 variants?
According to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), analysis of the available data suggests the new variants are likely to have a “growth advantage” over Omicron BA.2 – the variant that gripped the UK in the last wave.
At the moment, it is thought these mutations could mean the new virus strains might be able to partly dodge immunity.
Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: “The reclassification of these variants as variants of concern reflects emerging evidence on the growth of BA.4 and BA.5 internationally and in the UK. Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible.”
On 17 May, 115 cases of BA.4 and 80 cases of BA.5 had been confirmed in England, and UKHSA said it planned to conduct further detailed studies on the new strains.
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What are the new Covid symptoms?
So far there is no indication that the new variants are associated with new symptoms or more severe disease, according to vaccine alliance GAVI.
In April, the Government introduced a set of updated Covid symptoms following the emergence of new Omicron strains and the end of restrictions.
The NHS now lists the following as official Covid-19 symptoms:
- High temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature);
- New, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours;
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste;
- Shortness of breath;
- Feeling tired or exhausted;
- Aching body;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- Blocked or runny nose;
- Loss of appetite;
- Diarrhoea;
- Feeling sick or being sick.
The NHS says: “The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.”
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US have had longer symptom lists for some time.
For almost two years, until recently, the UK had just three symptoms on the list. It is understood that the Government’s Chief Medical Officer would have needed to sign off on the expanded set of symptoms.
Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist of the Zoe Covid-19 symptom tracker app, wrote on Twitter: “NHS official main symptoms of coronavirus have finally changed after two years of lobbying and Zoe app user input – hurrah!
“Pity they have the order wrong – but it’s a start and could help reduce infections. Thanks Zoe loggers!”
He had previously criticised ministers’ refusal to expand the list of symptoms, saying last month: “The Government’s refusal to recognise the wide array of symptoms and to drop isolation advice and testing is likely driving the incredible number of cases we see today.
“Many people are no longer isolating when they have symptoms, either because they feel they don’t have to anymore or because they or their employers still don’t recognise symptoms like runny nose or sore throat as Covid.”
