Discover Pirola: The Most Striking Strain of Covid-19 Since Omicron
According to a top UK scientist, Pirola is the “most striking strain of Covid-19 since Omicron.” This new variant has caused an increase in cases across Europe and has now officially arrived in the UK. With concerns about its ability to evade vaccines, the government has moved up the autumn booster programme and experts are suggesting the return of face masks in healthcare settings. But should we be truly worried about Pirola when there have only been a few dozen confirmed cases in the UK? Here’s everything you need to know about this new Covid strain.
Q: Why is there so much talk about Pirola compared to other Covid strains?
A: The main concern surrounding Pirola, also known as BA.2.86, is its potential to evade the protection offered by vaccines and previous infection. This strain has descended from Omicron but has 35 mutations on the spike protein, which is the target of the vaccines. Additionally, Pirola has mutations that may help it evade the natural protection provided by our immune system. This lowered immunity could lead to a surge in infections and more severe illness. The large number of mutations in Pirola is what has startled scientists and raised questions about its impact on vaccine effectiveness, transmissibility, and disease severity.
The Department of Health and Social Care has responded to these concerns by advancing the autumn booster programme to offer earlier vaccination to high-risk individuals. However, research on Pirola is still limited due to the low number of cases worldwide.
Q: How can I determine if I have Pirola or another Covid strain?
A: Unfortunately, Pirola symptoms are indistinguishable from those caused by other Covid variants. Most people infected with Pirola can expect symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, and fatigue.
Q: Can I get tested to confirm if I have the Pirola strain?
A: Free tests are no longer available, and there is no official requirement to take a test or self-isolate if you have symptoms. However, you can purchase lateral flow tests from pharmacies for £2 or opt for gold-standard PCR tests available online for approximately £50. These tests will not specifically identify the strain but can detect the presence of Covid, regardless of the variant.
Q: Will the vaccines, boosters, or previous infection protect against Pirola?
A: Most people will have some level of immunity against severe disease from Pirola, even if they haven’t received a vaccine since the mass rollout in 2021. While vaccine immunity diminishes over time, natural infections provide broader protection. A study on Pirola found high levels of antibodies against the new strain in individuals recently infected with Omicron. Vaccination and natural infection create immunity with antibodies, reducing the severity of the disease. Covid variants may still pose challenges, but they are not expected to reach the scale seen in 2020.
Q: How many Covid vaccines have I received?
A: For some individuals, the autumn booster will mark their eighth dose of Covid-19 vaccines. The most vulnerable population would have received three initial doses, an additional booster, as well as spring and winter jabs last year and a spring booster this year. Most people aged 50-75 have received four shots in total: two initial doses, a booster, and the 2022 autumn booster. Additional doses have been offered to care home residents, the clinically vulnerable, and individuals over 75. Eligible individuals for this upcoming jab include those over 65, people with severe lung problems, blood cancer, heart disease or weakened immune systems, care home residents, frontline healthcare workers, carers, and household contacts of individuals with suppressed immune systems. The NHS will contact eligible individuals to schedule their appointments, which can be booked online via nhs.uk or by calling 119.
Q: Will the autumn booster be effective against the new Pirola strain?
A: Scientists are currently investigating the effectiveness of the vaccines against Pirola. Pfizer and Moderna have reported their updated vaccines showing “strong responses” against Pirola in laboratory tests. Even if the vaccines are slightly less effective against Pirola, they will still offer some level of protection. The immune system recognizes various parts of the spike protein targeted by the vaccines, making it difficult for the virus to evade complete immunity.
Q: What is the current situation with Covid in hospitals?
A: The number of hospital beds occupied by Covid patients in England has risen by 15% in a week, reaching 2,500 out of a total of 140,000 beds. The largest increases were observed in the South West (42%), the North West (25%), and the North East and Yorkshire (23%). However, it is important to note that during the peak of the pandemic in January 2021, 33,000 hospital beds were occupied by Covid patients. Critical care occupancy for Covid patients has remained relatively stable at around 60 cases.
Q: Can I get a booster even if I’m not eligible?
A: No, only eligible individuals will receive invitations from the NHS to book a booster appointment. Boosters are not available for purchase privately, unlike flu jabs. However, pharmaceutical companies may sell vaccines to private providers, although their primary focus right now is fulfilling their government contracts. Private availability of boosters may be possible in the US this autumn, and the UK may follow suit.
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