The UK is currently grappling with emerging variants XFG and NB. 1.8.1 – dubbed Stratus and Nimbus respectively – 35% of those tested were classified as having Stratus, whilst 28% had contracted Nimbus.
The Royal College of GPs has disclosed this week that Covid infections have doubled during the last four weeks, leading health authorities to reissue recommendations urging anyone with symptoms to stay indoors.
Britain is presently battling new strains XFG and NB. 1.8.1 – nicknamed Stratus and Nimbus respectively. Statistics from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) showed that 35% of those examined were identified as carrying Stratus, while 28% had caught Nimbus. Certain external studies indicate there could be specific warning indicators linked to these newest strains – including a croaky voice or a “razor blade” throat pain feeling.
Covid still displays a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, ongoing coughing, blocked or runny nose, and extreme tiredness, making it difficult to distinguish from typical cold or flu.
READ MORE: Cancer symptoms going unchecked as Brits put off by NHS waiting timesREAD MORE: Painkiller prescribed to millions in UK tied to possible ‘serious complications’ risk
UKHSA figures demonstrate that Covid hospital admission figures have risen from 2 per 100,000 to 2.73 per 100,000 this week, reports Leeds Live. The UKHSA has issued guidance detailing the proper measures for people experiencing symptoms:
- Avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home whenever possible.
- Wear a face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- Avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings (or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated)
- Exercise in places where you will not have close contact with other people
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food
- Avoid touching your face
Official advice for those developing Covid symptoms: The UKHSA stated: “Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. 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.
“The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.”
READ MORE: Common night time red flag could be ‘early warning’ for stroke or heart failure
The NHS has issued advice on stopping Covid from spreading:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Regularly clean surfaces you touch often and in shared spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms
- Try to stay away from other people, including those you live with, until you feel better
- Let people who need to come into your home know that you’ve tested positive (or have symptoms)
- Ask your friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you
- Avoid indoor or crowded places (including public transport or large social gatherings)
- Wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people
- Let healthcare professionals know about your positive test result or symptoms if you’re asked to attend an appointment in person
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, there are steps you can take to help stop passing it on to others, including those in your household.
Covid-19 symptoms
Signs can include:
- High temperature or shivering (chills)
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in a day
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Body aching
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
For more details visit the NHS Covid site here.