A new strain of Covid is spreading across the UK, but health chiefs have said there is no sign it’s more dangerous than earlier variants. The strain, known as Stratus, includes types of the virus labelled by Doctors as XFG and XFG.3. Health officials say that XFG.3 already accounts for a big proportion of cases across England.
But Stratus has been linked to one major new symptom: giving sufferers a hoarse voice.Experts at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are keeping an eye on developments but have stressed that viral mutation is normal. The WHO has designated XFG as a “variant under monitoring” and assessed its additional public health risk at a global level as low. Current data says that XFG does not lead to more severe illness nor does it increase deaths and that existing vaccines are expected to remain effective against it.
The emergence of this new strain comes as health bosses warn that Covid cases are rising against as we head into winter.
UKHSA data shows the national Covid-19 positivity rate increased from 7.6% to 8.4% in a single week. Hospitalisations also climbed from 2.00 per 100,000 people to 2.73 per 100,000.
But it isn’t just Covid. Levels of flu and the virus that causes the common cold are also rising, fuelled by the return of schools after the summer holidays.
The UKHSA is urging Britons to book their Covid, flu and RSV jabs as soon as they are invited this autumn.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also launched a new campaign, “Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated”, running across TV, radio, outdoor and social media channels to encourage higher uptake.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “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.
“If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
While the Stratus strain has caught the attention of international monitors, officials in the UK are clear that the risk remains low. Vaccination and simple hygiene measures remain the best protection against a wave of respiratory illness this winter.