Cases of two new strains are surging in the UK
A top pharmacist has issued a stern warning to those who test positive for Covid, advising them to self-isolate for at least five days to curb the spread of two highly contagious new strains of the virus. The latest variants, Stratus and Nimbus, are causing concern among experts, with a key symptom being a hoarse or ‘razor blade’ sore throat.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent of Well Pharmacy, is urging anyone exhibiting these symptoms to get a Covid test as infection numbers continue to rise. This comes five years after millions of Brits had to to stay at home and work remotely during the nationwide lockdowns of the global pandemic.
George is keen for everyone to recognise the signs and symptoms of Covid, which was contracted by 447 people in the week leading up to 24 September – a surge of 22 per cent on the previous seven days, according to the most recent Government figures. Furthermore, 157 individuals were admitted to hospital in the week ending 31 August, a 15.6 per cent increase from the week prior, bringing the total number of patients receiving treatment in hospital to 1,162.
Covid is a respiratory infection similar to the common cold and flu. Like these other infections, Covid spreads from person-to-person through breathing, sneezing and coughing. Now, Mr Sandhu is encouraging Brits to adhere to the latest NHS guidelines as the two new variants continue to spread across the UK, reports Wales Online.
The symptoms of any respiratory infection are similar, with a high temperature, new continuous cough and a loss of taste or smell among the most common reported symptoms. With the new Stratus variant of Covid, many patients have reported a hoarse voice as an early symptom, while those infected with the Nimbus variant often report a ‘razor blade’ sore throat.
The official NHS guidelines advise that people over the age of 18 who test positive for Covid should remain at home and try to avoid contact with other households for five days.
Children under 18 are only advised to isolate for three days, as children and young adults tend to be infectious for a shorter period than adults. Adults who test positive are also advised to wait ten days before seeing elderly relatives or those with a weakened immune system.
You can pick up a Covid antigen test or get a booster vaccine at your local pharmacy, according to Well Pharmacy. Bear in mind only certain groups are being called for a free Covid vaccine on the NHS at present.
George Sandhu advised: “The best way to know if you have Covid is to head to your local pharmacy and pick up a test. In the winter months, it can be difficult to know whether you have a cold, flu or Covid because they share similar symptoms. If a test confirms you have Covid, you should stay indoors and rest, avoiding contact with other people and wait until you test negative. Younger people seem to be infectious for less time than adults and so usually within three days it is possible that they may be testing negative.”
He added: “If you’re over 18 then it is recommended that you wait five days to have contact with anyone as this is usually when most over 18’s begin to test negative for Covid. It’s important that everyone does their part, if you are testing positive for Covid then please do follow the NHS guidelines and don’t go to crowded places.”
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