The emergence of two new variants of Covid-19 is a stark reminder that we're not out of the woods yet when it comes to the deadly virus. The Omicron variant continues to mutate and, as a result, two new variants have been discovered.
In his latest YouTube video, Professor Tim Spector, of the ZOE Covid Study app, gave the latest update on the two new variants, dubbed BA.4 and BA.5 according to The Express.
Professor Spector has also revealed the two symptoms we need to take "very seriously". "We are keeping an eye on this because South Africa - where Omicron was first picked up - is seeing BA.4 and BA.5 increasing quite fast". Meanwhile, he said loss of smell and tinnitus - also known as ear ringing - are symptoms to take "really seriously", although the former was more associated with previous strains.
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"It suggests another part of the body is being affected, something internal, more close to the brain," he said. The new information comes as Professor Spector and his team carried out a survey to assess the prevalence of tinnitus in people infected with Covid.
Tinnitus is when people experience a constant ringing in the ears and Professor Spector said it is something that affects as many as 19%, or one in five people.
According to the ZOE lead, of the 14,500 people who took part in the survey, 5,000 tested positive for Covid and ear ringing. Participants said the symptom "comes and goes and can be mild to moderate for weeks or months".
Prof Spector admitted he did get it but it "disappeared quickly in me". People are advised to contact their GP if they have tinnitus regularly or constantly.
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