XFG, known as Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, known as Nimbus, are now the most common variants and these are the most common symptoms to watch out for
If you’re feeling under the weather with a sharp sore throat and high temperatures, you might have caught one of the new strains of Covid-19 that’s been doing the rounds this autumn.
It’s been half a decade since the initial outbreak of Covid, and several different variants have emerged since then. The most common variants currently circulating in the UK are XFG, also known as Stratus, and NB. 1.8.1, referred to as Nimbus, according to officials.
Experts reassure us that these don’t seem to pose any greater threat than previous types of Covid or make people feel more ill. However, recent genetic changes the virus has undergone may increase the likelihood of infection and present slightly different symptoms.
READ MORE: Key differences between Covid Nimbus and Stratus variants as doctor issues warningREAD MORE: Details of who is eligible for free vaccines in Northern Ireland this winter
Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told the Mirror: “You can still get some of the same features as with the common cold, like a cough or runny nose, but we are seeing a lot more hoarseness of voice. It’s not a defining feature, you can experience this with the common cold too but with Covid, you can get a bit of laryngitis and this hoarse voice.”
This is somewhat different to symptoms from other strains. Dr Khan added: “You can get a razor sharp sore throat, but also loss of taste. It’s probably less common than the first strains but that can indicate Covid.”
It’s normal 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.
It comes as this year’s winter vaccination campaign got underway on Monday, October 6 and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone that respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be serious, even for some healthy people.
Last year 862 children and young people, and 3,158 people aged 18 and over, were hospitalised with influenza in Northern Ireland. Of those 2,922 were as an emergency hospital admission.
This season’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is a targeted offer to those at highest risk of serious disease. This brings the eligible groups in line with the spring COVID-19 offering. Last year COVID-19 contributed to 97 deaths and caused 30 care home outbreaks.
The COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to:
- adults aged 75 years and over;
- residents in care homes for older adults;
- individuals who are immunosuppressed, aged 6 months and over.
The vaccine should usually be offered no earlier than around six months after the last vaccine dose. Those who are eligible can get protection from vaccination this time round even if they have not taken up a COVID-19 vaccine offer in the past.
Having flu and COVID-19 at the same time can be very serious for people who are immunosuppressed. The COVID-19 vaccines have good safety records and are effective. It gives those at highest risk of serious disease the best protection against COVID-19.
Covid continues to present a variety of symptoms, including headaches, coughing, a blocked or runny nose and fatigue, making it tricky to differentiate from a common cold or flu. If you suspect you’ve contracted Covid, it’s crucial to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals and stay home if feasible.
Should you need to venture out whilst symptomatic, the guidance remains to wear a face mask. Regular hand washing and proper disposal of tissues can help curb the spread of this and other respiratory diseases.
Dr Khan strongly advises early testing for those who are more susceptible or have compromised immune systems.
He states: “With Covid, you can get antivirals, but this will only be beneficial if you get tested really early. If you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing can provide information to your GP and they can consider antiviral medication.”
Those aged 75 and over can avail of a free Covid vaccine on the NHS. This can offer substantial protection, even against the new variants, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The agency is encouraging people to schedule their jabs against flu and another prevalent winter virus known as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as cases begin to rise in anticipation of winter.
“It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants, we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible,” says the UKHSA.
“The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.”
Full list of Covid Stratus symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Loss of smell
- Hoarseness
- Throat pain
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
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