The UK Health Security Agency has issued an important warning about Covid
Health specialists have outlined key Covid symptoms to watch for that are associated with variants currently in circulation. This follows the most recent data indicating that coronavirus cases are rising in hospitals across England.
In a briefing issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), officials cautioned that the virus continues to cause “severe” illness and fatalities. They also highlighted the warning signs of infection to monitor.
The UKHSA stated: “While for most people COVID-19 is not as severe as during the early years of the pandemic, the virus is still causing severe illness, hospitalisations, and deaths – particularly among those with a weakened immune system and those 75 year old and over. It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time and the current COVID-19 variants, much like previous variants, can spread easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
“The autumn COVID-19 vaccines are our best defence against serious illness.”
Symptoms
The UKHSA noted that characteristic Covid symptoms have evolved over time. Nevertheless, recently you may be more prone to developing a hoarse throat or an “particularly painful” sore throat.
These symptoms are linked to the “latest variants” that are spreading throughout the UK currently. “We have seen COVID-19 symptoms change over time,” the UKHSA added.
“Today, many people now experience cold-like symptoms and some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or change in sense of taste or smell. Some people report a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat, associated with the latest variants. This has been referred to in the media as ‘razor-blade throat’.”
Statistics from September 29 to October 5 this year reveal that the XFG variant, also called Stratus, has become the dominant strain of Covid across England. In preceding weeks, the NB.1.8. 1 variant, known as Nimbus, had also been circulating extensively.
Vaccines
There has been a modification to the eligibility criteria for Covid booster vaccinations this autumn. Previously, the jab was offered to anyone aged 65 and above, alongside those suffering from various chronic or long-term health conditions.
This year’s complete eligibility list for the booster encompasses individuals who:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)
- Are aged six months to 74 years and have a compromised immune system due to a medical condition or treatment
- Live in a care home for older adults
If you qualify for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can:
- Schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or through the NHS App (if you’re aged five years or over)
- Locate a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centre to receive your jab without a prior appointment (if you’re aged five years or over)
Certain people may have the opportunity to receive their vaccination at a local service, like a community pharmacy or GP surgery, or even at a care home if they are residents there.