Cases of Covid remain high in Scotland as Omicron takes hold.
The variant is now responsible for most coronavirus cases throughout the country as it has become the dominant strain.
However, it is not the only variant of the virus that scientists are keeping a close eye on.
There are always new strains of coronavirus coming to head with many of them not causing any concern.
But some do require attention, such as IHU which was first found in France last year.
The World Health Organisation describes this strain as a 'variant under monitoring' with other viruses such as ' flurona' also hitting the headlines.
But what do we know so far?
Omicron variant
Omicron is now the dominant strain in the UK and is more transmissible than previous mutations of the virus, although symptoms appear to be milder.
Omicron cases are still rising in all age groups above 35 and in particular in the over 75s, according to the latest ZOE Covid Study data.
The Omicron variant infects cells in different ways and presents itself in higher levels in a person's salviva.
The strain tends to cause asymptomatic - or mild - infection despite being more transmissible.
This had lead to a lower percentage of hospitialisations and deaths in comparison to case numbers so far.
If an infected person does become ill, symptoms of Omicron infection tend to be similar to those of the common cold.
This includes a blocked nose, sneezing, fatigue and a headache.
You can get more information about all the Omicron-related symptoms here.
IHU variant
Known as IHU or B.1.640, the variant has already been defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a “variant under monitoring”.
The French variant - or IHU - was first discovered by scientists in the Marseille region of France but is expected to have originated in Cameroon, Africa.
The earliest documented samples of the French variant were found back in September with a date of designation of November 22, according to the World Health Organisation.
This means that the variant actually predates Omicron, which continues to cause concern across the globe.
IHU has a total of 46 mutations – which can make it more resistant to the vaccines currently being administered.
So far, the variant is known to have infected 12 people in the south of France.
Scientists are currently studying. the variant to determine whether or not it will become of 'of concern'.
Flurona
Flurona is a rare mix of Covid-19 and influenza - better known as the flu.
First identified in Israel, Flurona has now been found across Europe and in the USA.
So far, 'flurona' symptoms appeared mild despite causing the infected person to suffer some difficulty breathing.
The double infection may be a lot more common than w think as many people are not tested for flu as tests for the virus are not as commonly available as those for Covid.
Regardless of this, flu can be dangerous.
Experts have predicted that flu alone could kill 60,000 people in this country in 2022, up from the usual 10,000 to 25,000.
This means that having both infections at once could put you at greater risk of more serious illness.
Health chiefs said the real figure of those who have had both viruses could be higher than we think as around three in 10 people who require an intensive oxygen treatment in hospital have a secondary infection on top of Covid.
However, experts have said that fears over 'Flurona' may be overhyped.
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