“Pirola” spreads in UK, a new subvariant of Covid-19 that is more contagious but causes fewer hospitalisations

The WHO has recommended that all adults and children over 6 months old can be vaccinated with the Pfizer antigen.

This variant is originally from the Ómicron and was discovered in the United States since September.
This variant is originally from the Ómicron and was discovered in the United States since September.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is still thought to be in circulation in the UK and continues to evolve, which a BMJ article covered in September 2023. This variant is originally from the Ómicron and was discovered in the United States since last September.

In recent weeks, an increase in cases has been documented in various parts of the world. In Mexico City the first case was reported several days ago. In the UK, it was first identified in Scotland on 29 August, according to STV News.

“Pirola” is characterised by having greater transmissibility, but experts explain that the risk of hospitalisation is much lower.

The patient who is infected with this and any variant must be isolated to break the chain of contagion.
The patient who is infected with this and any variant must be isolated to break the chain of contagion.

For this reason, authorities have indicated that this new sub-variant does not represent a major risk to public health.

Symptoms of “Pirola”

The patient who is infected with this and any variant must be isolated to break the chain of contagion. The symptoms that have been documented are:

Sore throat, congestion, sneezing, fever, loss of smell, muscle pain and hoarseness.

Vaccines on offer should "hold up" and be effective for the onset of the new variant, Wired UK wrote, urging people not to worry.

Monovalent vaccines help the production of neutralising antibodies that exhibit broad cross-reactivity against circulating variants of the virus. A few days ago, the group of experts from the World Health Organization recommended monovalent vaccine continue to be used.

Updated vaccines should be effective for the new variant, people should not panic.

The WHO Technical Advisory Group on the Composition of COVID-19 Vaccines continues to meet regularly to assess the impact of the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the antigenic composition of COVID-19 vaccines and to advise WHO on any changes it deems necessary to introduce in the future.

Recommendations of the Ministry of Health

The agency remembers the recommendations to avoid the contagion of Covid-19 and any respiratory infection:

  • If you have respiratory symptoms, stay home and wear a face mask to reduce the risk of contagion and stay well hydrated; if necessary.
  • Do not self-medicate and go to a specialist.
  • If oxygenation levels below 93 percent occur, seek urgent medical attention. Ventilate closed places.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid going to places with many people and poor ventilation.

According to the Cofepris New Molecules Committee that authorised the Comirnaty vaccine, Pfizer's monovalent mRNA, it has the "update of the omicron seasonal variant XBB.1.5 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus."

The WHO has recommended that all adults and children over 6 months can be vaccinated with the Pfizer antigen, however, its recommended to consult your trusted doctor.