Dr Nighat discusses symptoms of new Covid strain
A blocked or runny nose is among a number of symptoms now associated with a Covid infection.
But also listed as a symptom of a cold and flu, it can be difficult to tell what your runny nose is caused by.
George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent at Well Pharmacy, advised: “It’s often hard to tell the cause without further investigation. If you think you might have Covid, the best thing to do is carry out a lateral flow test.”
Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click, added: “Covid causes a wide range of symptoms which can be very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as a high temperature or chills, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.”
But Kanani advised a runny nose can be a sign of a more mild infection.
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He explained: “Sinusitis often occurs when something, such as mucus, blocks the openings of your sinuses. It can cause a stuffy or runny nose, as well as a decreased sense of smell, fever and headache from sinus pressure.”
Two new Covid variants have emerged in recent weeks – HV.1, a descendant from Omicron, one of the dominant strains of the COVID-19 virus in 2022, and JV.1, a descendant of Pirola, a variant that emerged this year.
Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Principal Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, said HV.1 seems to be “more transmissible”, but it hasn’t shown the capability of evading vaccine protection or causing more serious illness.
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JN.1 was recently found in the UK, US, Iceland, Portugal and Spain.
Health experts are still learning about JN.1, but it seems to carry mutations that might help it avoid detection by the immune system, according to Dr Papadopoulos.
Recommending the symptoms of HV.1 and JN.1 to look out for, Dr Papadopoulos listed a runny nose and nasal congestion. HV.1 may also cause a fever, coughing and tiredness.
JN.1 may also cause these symptoms, said Dr Papadopoulos, but also diarrhoea and headaches.
To treat a Covid related runny nose, Kanani advised: “Antihistamines such as fexofenadine can help dry up nasal secretions.
“Steroid nasal sprays can be used to help reduce nasal swelling in the nasal passage, relieving symptoms.”
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