New Variant Surges Across UK
New reports from New Delhi alarmingly warn of a highly contagious COVID-19 variant rapidly sweeping through the UK, expected to cause a surge in infections around the Christmas period. Experts caution about the escalating threat posed by the HV.1 strain, an offshoot of the Omicron variant, which presently dominates most COVID-19 cases in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HV.1 accounts for approximately 29% of new infections in the US.
HV.1: The Grandchild of Omicron
Scientists are likening HV.1 to the “grandchild of Omicron,” projecting its imminent spread across the UK. Concerns heighten as this new strain has already been identified in Iceland, Portugal, Spain, and is rapidly proliferating in France. Described as “more transmissible” and immune evasive, HV.1 carries mutations that enable it to evade immune detection.
Identifying Symptoms and Risks
Individuals infected with the HV.1 strain might experience a range of symptoms including fever, coughing, fatigue, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. Although current HV.1 cases in the UK remain low, experts anticipate a rapid increase in the coming weeks due to the approaching holiday season and subsequent increase in travel.
Insights from Experts
In an interview with Today.com, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert from Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, emphasized the contagious nature of HV.1, comparing it to a grandchild within the Omicron family, notorious for its high transmissibility.
Evolution of Variants
The emergence of HV.1 highlights the ongoing mutation potential of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. All dominant COVID-19 variants in the UK over the past year stem from Omicron, which first appeared in November 2021.
Trends in COVID Infections
Government statistics indicate a decline in reported Covid infections in England after a sudden increase from July to September. As of the latest data up to November 9, there were 4,549 new Covid cases, marking a 25% decrease from the preceding seven days.
Identifying Symptoms: What to Watch For
The NHS advises individuals experiencing high fever or feeling unwell to refrain from normal activities, stay at home, and rest. Some common symptoms include:
– High fever
– Coughing
– Fatigue
– Nasal congestion
– Runny nose
– Diarrhoea
– Headaches
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