The Status or XFG strain is the most prevalent, according to the latest figures
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning, urging those with symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as Covid-19, to “avoid contact” with vulnerable individuals and stay home if possible. If you’re feeling under the weather or have a high temperature, continuing your daily routine could put others at risk.
For those who simply can’t stay at home, the government’s Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, offering advice on how to minimise the risk of spreading the infection:
- Avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently 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
- Wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- Take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
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This comes after the UKHSA released its weekly percentage of positive tests for flu, Covid-19, RSV and Rhinovirus last week. The data shows a slow rise in flu and Covid-19 cases, while rhinovirus cases are experiencing a “sharp rise”.
Covid-19 activity has seen a slight increase but remains at low levels. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to show low activity and circulate at baseline levels. In sequenced samples, the most prevalent lineage was XFG, known as Stratus, which has two variants, XFG and XFG. 3, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist of the UKHSA, reassured the public as he said: “It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time.” The World Health Organisation has labelled the XFG as a “variant under monitoring” and has shared that the public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the global level.
Hospital admissions for Covid are on the rise, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The overall weekly hospital admission rate for Covid-19 has risen to 2.73 per 100,000 this week, up from 2.00 per 100,000 last week.
It’s not just Covid-19 that’s seeing a surge in cases. Rhinovirus positivity, as measured by laboratory surveillance, has jumped to 14.8% compared with 10.9% last week.
Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold and can often trigger asthma attacks. While most rhinovirus infections result in no symptoms or mild ones, they can also lead to severe illness, particularly in those with weakened immune systems.
Unfortunately, there are no immunisations available to prevent rhinovirus infection. However, vaccines do exist for other respiratory viruses that can have serious consequences for some people.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, warned: “Flu and Covid-19 levels are starting to slowly increase. While this is to be expected at this time of year, now is the time for people to come forward for their winter vaccines if they’re eligible, before we start to see more of these viruses in circulation in the winter months.
“Vaccination offers the best protection against flu, Covid-19 and RSV which is why it’s vital that eligible groups get vaccinated.”
Symptoms of a respiratory tract infection include coughing, sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, a headache, a sore throat, breathlessness or a tight chest, aching muscles, feeling generally unwell, and a high temperature.