Archive · 23 Jul 2026
New Covid Variants BA.2.86 and RF.5: Symptoms and Precautions
There are new Covid variants called BA.2.86 and RF.5.
They have more genetic changes and mainly cause upper respiratory symptoms.
These variants usually cause milder illness in people who have been vaccinated or had Covid before.
BA.2.86 is also known as 'Pirola' and first appeared in mid-2023.
Experts say these variants are different from previous ones, and it's important to take precautions.
New Covid variants BA.2.86 and RF.5 have more genetic changes.
They mainly cause upper respiratory symptoms.
These variants usually lead to milder illness in vaccinated or previously infected individuals.
BA.2.86 is also known as 'Pirola' and first emerged in mid-2023.
Experts recommend taking precautions to stay safe.
- Who
- Health experts and public health authorities
- What
- New Covid variants BA.2.86 and RF.5
- When
- Mid-2023
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- To understand the symptoms, risks, and precautions related to the new Covid variants
Health Experts
Public Health Authorities
Severity of Symptoms
Health Experts
Experts suggest that BA.2.86 and RF.5 cause milder illness in vaccinated or previously infected individuals.
Public Health Authorities
Public health authorities emphasize the need for continued vigilance and monitoring of new variants.
- Variants
- BA.2.86 (Pirola), RF.5
- Symptoms
- Upper respiratory symptoms
- Severity
- Milder illness in vaccinated or previously infected individuals
- First Emergence
- Mid-2023
- Location of Uptick
- Andhra Pradesh