If you are feeling under the weather with a sharp sore throat and high temperatures, you might have caught one of the new strains of Covid that has been doing the rounds this autumn. The most common variants currently circulating in the UK are XFG, also known as Stratus, and NB. 1.8.1, referred to as Nimbus.
Experts have assured that these do not seem to pose any greater threat than previous types of Covid or make people feel more ill. However, the virus’ recent genetic changes may increase the likelihood of infection and present slightly different symptoms.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told the Mirror: “You can still get some of the same features as with the common cold, like a cough or runny nose, but we are seeing a lot more hoarseness of voice.”
Dr Khan continued: “It’s not a defining feature, you can experience this with the common cold too but with Covid, you can get a bit of laryngitis and this hoarse voice.”
This is somewhat different from symptoms associated with other strains. Dr Khan added: “You can get a razor sharp sore throat, but also loss of taste. It’s probably less common than the first strains but that can indicate Covid.”
It is normal for viruses to evolve as they spread between people over time. When the changes become significantly different, the new virus types are referred to as variants.
Covid continues to present a variety of symptoms, including headaches, coughing, a blocked or runny nose and fatigue, making it tricky to differentiate from a common cold or flu.
If you suspect you have contracted Covid, it is crucial to avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay home if feasible. If you do have to leave the house while experiencing symptoms, current guidance still recommends wearing a mask, washing hands regularly and disposing of tissues properly to help curb the spread.
Dr Khan strongly advises early testing for those who are more susceptible or have compromised immune systems.
He explains: “With Covid, you can get antivirals, but this will only be beneficial if you get tested really early. If you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing can provide information to your GP and they can consider antiviral medication.”
The NHS offers free Covid vaccines to people over 75. This can provide substantial protection, even against new variants, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The agency is encouraging people to schedule their jabs against flu and another prevalent winter virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), as cases begin to rise in anticipation 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.”