Covid cases are surging across the UK this autumn, with positive tests jumping from 7.6% to 8.4% in just one week. Hospital admissions have also climbed from 2.00 per 100,000 people to 2.73 per 100,000, according to UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) data.
Two new variants are now driving this autumn wave. XFG, known as Stratus, accounts for approximately one-third of all Covid cases, whilst NB.1.8.1, called Nimbus, makes up over 10% of recorded infections.
Prevention remains key
The single most effective protection against Covid remains practising good hygiene. Regular handwashing with warm, soapy water and using hand sanitiser gels can help kill germs and prevent transmission.
When feeling unwell, cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue that you immediately bin. This simple action helps prevent spreading the virus to others around you.
Recognising new symptoms
Covid symptoms still include the familiar high temperature, continuous cough, and changes to taste or smell. However, newer variants are reportedly causing additional symptoms including a hoarse or raspy voice and what some describe as a "razor blade" sore throat.
According to the Mirror, the Nimbus variant appears more infectious than Stratus, but Stratus is better at dodging existing immunity. Only MyLondon reports four critical warning signs requiring immediate medical attention: breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, and inability to eat or drink.
NHS support and testing
Those eligible for Covid vaccines should book their autumn booster, which offers the best protection for vulnerable individuals. Free Covid tests remain available from pharmacies for healthcare workers and those eligible for treatments if they become unwell.
The Mirror reports the NHS is offering three specific Covid treatments for high-risk patients: Paxlovid, Xevudy, and Lagevrio. Regular Covid tests, available at pharmacies and supermarkets, remain the only reliable way to distinguish between flu, cold, and Covid symptoms.
Isolation guidelines
Anyone developing Covid symptoms should stay home to protect others. The NHS recommends those over 18 avoid contact with people outside their household for five days after testing positive, whilst under-18s should wait three days.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19, such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering."
Winter concerns
Health experts warn that reduced Covid surveillance may leave officials unprepared for a potential winter surge, according to the Mirror. The timing coincides with people returning to work and school, increased indoor mixing due to cooler weather, and waning immunity from previous vaccinations.
Sources used: "Scotsman", "Mirror", "MyLondon" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
