Two new variants of Covid are circulating in the UK
A doctor has issued advice for anyone suffering from Covid who experiences a particular symptom not often associated with the illness. Two new variants of Covid are currently circulating in the UK, according to officials. XFG, also known as Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, referred to as Nimbus, do not seem to pose a greater threat than previous types of Covid or cause more severe illness.
However, recent genetic alterations to the virus may increase the likelihood of infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated: “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.”
Azeem Majeed, professor and head of the department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial College London and also a GP, told the Express that the Nimbus and Stratus variants of Covid usually cause a mild illness in most people as immunity has been built up over the years, reports the Express.
He said: “Typical symptoms include cough, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell. Other possible symptoms are hoarseness, runny nose, chills, and shortness of breath. Some people also describe a very sore throat, often likened to a ‘razor blade’ sensation.”
He added: “Signs of more severe illness include confusion, a high or persistent fever, breathlessness, or low oxygen levels. The risk of severe illness is highest in older adults (those aged 75 years and over) and in people with underlying health conditions like chronic kidney disease or diabetes or who have a suppressed immune system because of their medical condition or the drugs they are taking.”
Whilst younger individuals should experience only mild symptoms, elderly people must watch for temperatures that persist beyond several days, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue and loss of appetite.
Dr Azeem warned of one particular symptom. He said: “If they feel problems like confusion, they should really seek advice very urgently.”
Dr Azeem also highlighted a concerning drop in vaccination rates amongst the population. He explained: “Even amongst the older people the vaccine rates have been dropping year by year and in the most last year for example, the uptake of vaccine was around 60 per cent in people over 75, so below the ideal.”
Numerous individuals mistakenly think the jab is ineffective against newer strains, which he stressed is incorrect. He added: “Evidence shows the vaccines still work against all variants we have faced so far.”
The medic advised elderly people to receive vaccinations twice annually, during spring and autumn seasons. Those over 75 are entitled to complimentary Covid vaccination through the NHS.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
