A new, more contagious Covid-19 variant is ripping through Europe as the World Cup could lead to a peak in cases, a world-leading immunologist has warned.
As the virus continues to mutate, scientists have named the new variant BF.7, short for BA.5.2.1.7.
Experts have dubbed it the "Omicron spawn" and are warning this could become the dominant strain within weeks - and could run rampant during the World Cup.
If BF.7 cases continue to spread it could have a similar impact compared to the spike in cases of the Delta variant during the UEFA European Football Championship last summer, warns Professor Denis Kinane, a world-leading immunologist and Founding Scientist at Cignpost Diagnostics.
Prof Kinane tells The Mirror: "It is hard to predict when we will see a peak in cases as we do not yet know the full extent to what is coming this autumn and winter.
"However, with events like the football World Cup taking place in November, it is likely that the increase in international social gatherings will lead to an increase in the spread of mutations cases – similar to the effect of the Euros."
This year, the World Cup is hosted in Qatar and takes place in November and December to counter the brutal desert temperatures.
This means football fans in the UK will be watching their countries play as temperatures begin to drop and the days become shorter.
While it is unclear how many cases are in the UK due to the lack of regular testing, Belgium has seen the bulk of infections so far.
Prof Kinane added: "This new Covid variant spreading quickly in several countries – it already accounts for 25 per cent of cases in Belgium."
He continued: "Like all new variants, BF.7 only exists as it is more contagious than existing variants and will also be more effective in overcoming immune resistance, whether it is natural through prior infection or artificially via vaccination."
Symptoms of the BF.7 variant are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, an aching body, a headache, a sore throat, a change to your sense of smell and loss of appetite.
Prof Kinane also urged those who are eligible for their Autumn booster to get it.
He said: "I would encourage those who are eligible for the Autumn Covid booster jab to take it up at the earliest possibility, and for those not eligible at present to remain cautious as to the impact that Covid can have."
He added: "With immunity waning over time, it is vital that if a further vaccination dose is offered, uptake should be swift and across the board for maximum protection.
"The virus has not disappeared and will continue to mutate. Without the lack of a baseline surveillance system and the absence of a testing framework, we have very limited visibility on the virus’ mutation.
"As a result, it is difficult to quickly bring in public health measures to counter the virus’ constantly mutating nature. Testing is the best way to study the virus’ behaviour and it is crucial that we retain our ability to increase testing."
Three million people in the UK are still unvaccinated and millions of others are not eligible for the latest booster.
While the jab doesn't prevent you from getting Covid it does protect against hospitalisation.
Prof Kinane also said that the scrapping of universal free testing means a large section of the population will be unaware they have the virus and we need to remain vigilant to prevent a Winter surge.
He said: "Despite what many think, Covid-19 is still a dangerous and highly infectious disease.
"Given this, it is important that we remain vigilant and cautious. No one wants to see a return of lockdowns and restrictions.
"But with three million people in the UK remaining unvaccinated, and the virus still being a severe threat to vulnerable groups and the immunosuppressed, we need to take reasonable precautions to prevent a Winter surge."
Prof Kinane urges people to use face masks in enclosed spaces, including at mass events, and to get tested if we think we are infected.
It comes as UK Health Security Agency has warned of a “twindemic” of flu and Covid this winter.
The UKHSA says low natural immunity against flu, combined with resurgent Covid strains, could kill tens of thousands.
