From the Covid Pirola variant to RSV – 7 viruses in circulation right now and how to spot them
Britons will soon be able to monitor a range of common viruses in a similar way to tracking cases during the Covid pandemic.
A new government dashboard shows trends in bugs across the UK.
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This includes colds and flu, but also hospitalizations and deaths are reported.
Although the WHO declared the end of the pandemic at the beginning of the year, the coronavirus is still circulating.
But what other viruses should Brits be aware of?
Covid
Due to fears about the Pirola variant, a new Covid vaccination campaign has been brought forward.
The heavily mutated BA.2.86 strain caused an outbreak at a nursing home in Norwich.
There is currently no evidence that Pirola causes new symptoms that are not already seen in other Omicron variants.
According to the ZOE study, these include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- fatigue
- Sneeze
- Sore throat
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus usually causes cold-like symptoms in adults.
However, it may be more dangerous in children and the elderly, as the virus is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants.
Symptoms of a chest infection include:
- faster breathing
- Having difficulty feeding or eating
- loud breathing (panting)
- become irritated
flu
Britain faced a twin wave of Covid and flu last year and the latter is expected to surge again this winter.
Flu jabs are also currently being given to eligible Brits in the hope of keeping infections low among those most at risk.
Characters include:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- Headache
- difficult sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- feeling sick and being sick
Parainfluenza
Human parainfluenza viruses can cause infections in infants and young children, but most recover on their own.
In severe cases, more serious illnesses such as pneumonia can occur.
Symptoms are similar to those of a cold and include:
- Fever
- runny nose
- Cough
- sneeze
- Sore throat
Adenovirus
Another common cold virus that is currently common is the adenovirus.
Last year it hit the headlines for links to a mysterious hepatitis outbreak in children, thought to be caused by weak immunity due to successive lockdowns during the pandemic.
It usually causes mild symptoms but can also cause conjunctivitis.
Signs of infection include:
- Sore throat
- Jaw pain
- Sandy feeling and watery eyes
Rhinovirus
Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold.
Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fever
Human metapneumovirus
Human metapneumovirus is another respiratory virus to watch out for.
As with many infections on the list, the infections are usually mild but can be more dangerous in children and the elderly.
Characters include:
- Cough, runny nose
- stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Fever