The new Cicada Covid variant is spreading fast – these are the 7 symptoms to be aware of

It's been six years since the coronavirus outbreak, and while vaccines have made things vastly safer for those most vulnerable, Covid is still something we need to keep an eye on.

With headlines swirling about a newly emerged variant dubbed 'Cicada', it’s easy to feel a sense of déjà vu. But before anyone starts panicking, experts are reassuring us that the emergence of new strains is entirely to be expected.

“Although headlines about a new COVID variant like ‘Cicada’ can sound worrying, it’s actually quite normal," Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, tells Cosmopolitan UK. "Viruses naturally change over time, and as COVID continues to circulate, new variants are expected to pop up."

Here's everything we know about the Cicada Covid variant so far, including the symptoms to be aware of...

As Budd explains: “Cicada, or BA.3.2, is part of the Omicron family. It’s named the Cicada strain because it is a variant of BA.3, a strain that disappeared for nearly four years, similar to how cicadas [a type of insect] lie dormant."

So, why has this one made the news? According to Budd, it's down to its genetic makeup. “What’s different about it is the number of mutations it carries, particularly on the part of the virus that attaches to your cells, which could make it a bit better at spreading or dodging some of the immunity we’ve built up from vaccines or past infections," he explains.

However, there's no need to ring the alarm bells just yet. “That said, there’s no strong evidence at the moment to suggest it causes more severe illness than recent variants," Budd adds. "The reason we keep hearing about ‘new’ variants is simply because the virus is still spreading. Every time it replicates, small changes can happen, and occasionally that leads to a version that spreads a bit more easily. This is why it gets picked up and reported on."

By now, we're likely all familiar with the more general Covid symptoms of a temperature, loss of taste or smell, and a cough.

“In terms of symptoms, it looks very similar to what we’ve been seeing with other Omicron strains," explains Budd. "People should keep an eye out for things like a sore throat, cough, fatigue, fever, headaches, and congestion."

However, there is one distinct symptom to look out for when it comes to the Cicada strain. “Some early reports suggest that a particularly painful sore throat might be more noticeable with this variant, but overall, it’s not presenting in a completely new way," Budd notes.

Things have certainly changed a lot since the days of lockdown – but if you're feeling unwell and experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's still important to be cautious. Taking a rapid lateral flow test is a critical step in knowing what you're dealing with.

“The advice remains straightforward: if you feel unwell, try to stay home and avoid close contact with others, especially anyone more vulnerable (those with reduced immune function, elderly people, young children)," advises Budd.

“Staying up to date with vaccines is still one of the best ways to protect yourself from more serious illness, even as the virus evolves."

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.