Two variants of COVID-19 are currently the most common found in the UK
The NHS has issued “important” advice to help prevent the spread of Covid. Cases of the infection are rising again in the UK, particularly among the young and elderly.
Two variants of coronavirus are currently the most common found in the UK. Official reports show that XFG, also known as Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, known as Nimbus, are now the most prevalent forms of the illness.
While vaccination is one method to help minimise your risk of serious illness from Covid, there are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of catching it in the first place. On its website, the NHS warns that COVID-19 “spreads very easily” through close contact with people who have the virus.
It says: “When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small droplets containing the virus. You can catch it by breathing in these droplets, or by touching surfaces covered in them and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.”
You are more likely to catch it indoors and in crowded places. Therefore, the health body recommends you regularly wash your hands and avoid getting ill.
It says: “It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.”
You can still catch or spread COVID-19 if you:
- Do not have symptoms
- Are fully vaccinated
- Have had the virus before
Many people will no longer be infectious to others after five days, but you can be infectious for up to 10 days.
To further reduce your risk of Covid, the NHS says you can also:
- Open windows and doors if you meet people inside, or meet them outside instead
- Stay at least two metres away from people (particularly indoors or in crowded places)
- Work from home if you can, or talk to your employer about how they can help reduce your risk at work
- Wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people
- Think about asking people to wear a face covering or take a rapid lateral flow test if you’re meeting them inside
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can include:
- A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- An aching body
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.
Figures from the Royal College of GPs, show that rates of Covid are now increasing across the UK. Hospital admissions linked to Covid are also going up.