In a technical briefing on SARS-CoV-2 variants today, the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) revealed that, of 34 confirmed involving the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant, 28 were from a single outbreak at a nursing home, an early sign that it can spread in close-contact settings.
A recent UK study suggests that blood clots in the brain or lungs may explain some of the common symptoms experienced by people with "long Covid", including brain fog and fatigue. The study, which included 1,837 people admitted to hospital due to Covid, found that two blood proteins, fibrinogen and D-dimer, were associated with cognitive problems. It is estimated that 16% of these patients experience difficulties with thinking, concentrating, or remembering for at least six months.