A new strain of Covid has been circulating in the UK this autumn, with genetic changes and mutations meaning the virus comes with some new symptoms that might go unnoticed
If you feel unwell with a razor-sharp throat and high temperatures, you may have caught one of the new strains of Covid that’s been circulating in the UK this autumn. Its been five years since the initial outbreak of Covid-19, and since then several different variants have come from it.
XFG, called Stratus by some, and NB.1.8.1, known as Nimbus, are now the most common variants being passed around in the UK, according to officials. Experts say these do not appear to pose any bigger threat than previous types of Covid or make people feel more ill.
But recent genetic changes the virus has acquired may make infections more likely, and comes with slightly different symptoms. Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, tells 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.
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“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 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.
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.
Dr Khan also recommends early testing for those who are more vulnerable or are immunocompromised.
He says: “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.”
People over 75 can get a free vaccine against Covid on the NHS. This can offer good protection, even against the new variants, says the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
It is urging people to book their vaccinations against flu and another common winter virus called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as cases start to increase ahead 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.”
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