Dr Roger Henderson said the new variant had ‘flu-like’ symptoms
A doctor has highlighted eight Covid symptoms to be aware of as a new strain spreads across the UK – and urged patients to seek medical help if they have any one of four most serious symptoms. Dr Roger Henderson, a GP and spokesperson for Olbas, stated that the XFG variant seems to cause symptoms “very similar to a bad cold or flu”.
He further explained: “The main things to watch out for are a sore throat (this may be very painful), a hoarse voice, a cough, a runny or blocked nose, tiredness, aches, fever, and sometimes a stomach upset.”
He added: “Because these symptoms overlap with the usual ones seen with colds and flu, it can be hard to know the cause without Covid testing. Warning signs that it may be more serious include struggling to breathe, chest pain, confusion, or not being able to eat or drink properly. If those occur, seek medical help.”
Dr Henderson mentioned that individuals with Covid can spread the virus for longer than those with a cold or flu, sometimes even before they start feeling unwell. This allows the virus to move quickly through households and communities, he clarified.
When asked if Covid tests can detect the new strain, he responded: “At-home Covid tests (the swab kits you buy in shops or pharmacies) do still pick up this new strain, but one negative test doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear, especially if you’ve only just started to feel ill.”
He added: “If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, it’s safest to stay home and test again after a day or two, rather than assuming it’s ‘just a cold’.”
Dr Henderson advised that common symptoms of Covid can be managed at home, but it’s crucial to know when to seek professional assistance, reports the Express.
He said: “At home you can safely treat a fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen, a sore throat with lozenges or warm drinks, blocked nose with saline spray or decongestants, and a cough with syrups if needed.”
Finally, Dr Henderson explained the four main serious symptoms that sufferers should seek medical help for. He said: “Get medical help if you’re struggling to breathe, you can’t keep fluids down, you feel very weak or confused, symptoms suddenly get worse after a few days, you’re pregnant, elderly, very young, or have a long-term illness and you’re getting worse.”
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