Paul Barry, experienced community pharmacist and NHS business partner for Well Pharmacy, is urging the nation to be aware of the 12 signs and symptoms of a new strain known as Cicada.
He said: “The new Cicada variant has now been identified in the UK and is expected to become the dominant strain.
“This deceptive new strain can trick the immune system into not recognising that it is Covid and can allow for the Cicada variant to quickly spread across the UK.
How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19
“Young children are prone to picking up infections and could be particularly exposed to this variant given they will have unlikely had a Covid vaccination.
“I would urge everyone to consider a Spring vaccine, given it will be almost five years since they have had a Covid vaccine. While the vaccine is not altered to target the new variant, it still offers the best form of protection against the virus.”
Pharmacists are bracing for a rush of patients wanting Spring vaccinations after the recent Meningitis outbreak exposed the dangers of being unvaccinated against serious disease.
The genetic modifications of the new variant mean that the body may not recognise the virus, allowing it to spread quicker.
Cicada was first identified in Africa before making its way across the globe and as of February 2026, it was in 23 countries including the Netherlands.
In the UK, overall Covid cases remain low with 491 reported cases for the week up until March 25, with 27 covid-related deaths up to March 20.
While there is no current evidence to suggest that Cicada poses a greater risk than other strains of Covid, patients should be cautious that vaccines might prove less effective against this variant.
Paul wants to remind patients of the usual symptoms of Covid-19 including a cough, fever or chills.
Other severe symptoms can include sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, loss of smell or taste and gastrointestinal issues.
While symptoms can vary with rest, it is also important to remain hydrated, drinking plenty of water and ensuring that the medicine cabinet is appropriately stocked up with over-the-counter medications including paracetamol.
Other patients can present asymptomatically, meaning that they won’t feel unwell, but they can still spread the virus.
The NHS has a list of Covid symptoms available to be viewed on their website which suggests testing for Covid-19 if the following are present;
- A high temperature or shivering
- A new continuous cough
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- An aching body
- A headache
- A sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or being sick
- Diarrhoea
Last year, the Nimbus and Stratus variants of Covid left patients feeling as though they had swallowed razor blades due to the pain felt when swallowing.
Paul warns Brits to be cautious especially as the new Covid variant spreads and believes that anyone who might be under the weather and believes they have Covid should follow NHS advice.
Paul, from Well Pharmacy, said: “If you have Covid, you should stay indoors and rest, avoiding contact with other people and wait until you feel better or do not have a high temperature.
“Younger people who have tested positive for Covid seem to be infectious for less time than adults, and so usually within three days it is possible that they may be testing negative.
“If you’re over 18 and have tested positive then it is recommended that you wait five days to have contact with anyone as this is usually when most over 18’s begin to test negative for Covid.
“Patients who believe they might be vulnerable for Covid should book in for a Spring vaccine to ensure peace of mind as well as protection against the most severe effects of the virus.
“It’s important that everyone does their part, if you are testing positive for Covid then please do follow the NHS guidelines and don’t go to crowded places.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login