Parents are being warned about a new 'deceptive' strain of Covid-19, dubbed the Cicada variant, which is expected to become dominant in the UK. The strain, scientifically known as BA.3.2, is a descendant of Omicron and has been detected in 23 countries, with cases currently low in the UK.
Paul Barry, a community pharmacist for Well Pharmacy, has urged vigilance, particularly for young children who are unlikely to have been vaccinated. He explained that the variant can trick the immune system, allowing it to spread quickly. The strain has up to 75 mutations, enabling it to evade antibodies, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite concerns, Dr Nick Machin, Consultant Virologist at the UK Health Security Agency, stated there is no evidence that BA.3.2 is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than other recent variants. The UK reported 491 Covid cases in the week to March 25, with 27 deaths up to March 20.
Symptoms of the Cicada variant include cough, fever, and chills, similar to other Covid strains. Barry advises staying hydrated, using over-the-counter painkillers, and isolating until symptoms improve. He recommends a five-day isolation for adults and a three-day period for children after a positive test.
Vaccination remains the best protection, with Barry urging eligible individuals to consider a spring booster, as it has been nearly five years since many last received a Covid vaccine.
