It is usual for viruses to evolve as they spread between people over time. When the changes become significantly different, the new virus types are known as variants.
According to some reports, there may be tell-tale symptoms with the latest ones - a hoarse voice or a "razor blade" sore throat.
Covid can still cause a wide range of symptoms, including headache, coughing, a blocked or running nose and exhaustion, making it difficult to distinguish from a cold or flu.
If you think you have Covid you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.
If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of this and other respiratory illnesses.
For a sore throat, drinking plenty of fluids and having a teaspoon of honey may help, the NHS says.
According to the Royal College of GPs, rates of Covid are now increasing across the UK, especially in the very young and elderly.
Hospital admissions linked to Covid are also going up.