Two new variants, Nimbus and Stratus, are spreading rapidly in the UK
Patients across England are being left ‘angry and frustrated’ at pharmacies over the latest update to Covid vaccination rules. According to the BBC, pharmacists are experiencing ‘major issues’ with the rollout, with patients arriving for vaccination appointments before discovering they are not eligible.
According to Community Pharmacy England, between ‘a quarter and a half’ of people arriving at appointments are being turned away as they don’t meet eligibility criteria.
As two new variants – Nimbus and Stratus – spread rapidly, rates of Covid are now increasing across the UK especially in the very young and elderly, according to the Royal College of GPs. However, currently only certain individuals can qualify for a Covid vaccine.
Who can get the vaccine?
At present, people over 75 and younger people with weakened immune systems can get a free vaccine against Covid on the NHS. This offers a good level of protection, even against the new variants, says the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
It’s 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.
The UKHSA said: “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.”
What are the symptoms of the new variants?
If you’re feeling poorly and running a temperature, you may well have contracted one of the new strains of Covid doing the rounds this autumn – but there’s another unpleasant tell-tale sign to watch out for. XFG, nicknamed Stratus, and NB. 1.8.1, called Nimbus, are now the most prevalent variants spreading across the UK.
Scientists say recent genetic modifications the virus has developed may increase the likelihood of infections. However, whilst specialists say these don’t appear to present any greater risk than earlier forms of Covid or make people feel more poorly, there is one symptom which is quite unpleasant and likely indicates you have one of these variants, reports the Mirror.
It’s normal for viruses to change as they transmit between individuals over time, but when the alterations become substantially different, the new virus types are termed variants. If you’re experiencing a razor blade sore throat, you could have one of these new variants.
A croaky voice or a “razor blade” sore throat is believed to be a distinctive symptom of the most recent types. However, that’s not the sole indicator – Covid can still trigger a broad spectrum of symptoms, including headaches, coughing, a stuffy or runny nose and fatigue.
What to do if you think you have Covid
If you suspect you have Covid, you should avoid contact with vulnerable individuals and remain at home if feasible. If you have symptoms and must leave the house, you should wear a face covering.
Regular handwashing and properly using and binning tissues can help reduce the transmission of this and other respiratory ailments. And if you have a sore throat, drinking plenty of fluids and having a teaspoon of honey may help ease symptoms.
It’s possible to catch Covid again even if you have had it very recently, or have been vaccinated. Reinfections are usually mild, but you can feel unwell and still spread the virus to others.
Covid tests are no longer widely available for free, but pharmacies still sell them.
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