Health officials have raised a major warning to the Irish public regarding a new strain of fast-spreading Covid-19. This new variant, named NB.1.8.1, has been detected in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as in several other countries including Hong Kong, China, the US, UK, and Australia. The World Health Organisation has reported that ten per cent of Covid infections worldwide are from this new strain, prompting concerns.

While the new strain is said to be more transmissible than previous strains, there is no evidence to suggest that the symptoms are any worse. However, doctors have observed different symptoms with this new variant. Unlike older strains that caused flu-like symptoms, the NB.1.8.1 strain is more closely linked to gastrointestinal issues, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.

Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, Dr. Lara Herrero, highlighted common symptoms of the new strain, including sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Some cases may also experience gastrointestinal issues.

The full list of symptoms of the new Covid variant includes:

• High fever of 38C or above
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Change to sense of smell or taste
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Conjunctivitis
• Muscle or joint pain
• Unusual rash
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Pain or pressure in chest

Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to stay at home for 48 hours or until they feel better. It is crucial to monitor for these signs and seek medical advice if needed.