Health experts have shared two key Covid symptoms to look for that are linked to variants currently circulating. It comes as the latest data shows cases of coronavirus are increasing in hospitals in England.
In an update provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the authority warned that the virus is still leading to “severe” illness and deaths. It also shared the telltale signs of infection to watch for.
The UKHSA said: “While for most people COVID-19 is not as severe as during the early years of the pandemic, the virus is still causing severe illness, hospitalisations, and deaths – particularly among those with a weakened immune system and those 75 year old and over.
“It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time and the current COVID-19 variants, much like previous variants, can spread easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
“The autumn COVID-19 vaccines are our best defence against serious illness.”
Symptoms
The UKHSA said that typical Covid symptoms have continued to change. However, lately you might be more likely to experience a hoarse throat or a “particularly painful” sore throat.
These are associated with the “latest variants” that are circulating in the UK at the moment. “We have seen COVID-19 symptoms change over time,” the UKHSA continued
“Today, many people now experience cold-like symptoms and some will also experiencefever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or change in sense of taste or smell. Some people report a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat, associated with the latest variants. This has been referred to in the media as ‘razor-blade throat’.”
Data taken from September 29 to October 5 this year show that the XFG variant, also known as Stratus, is now the most common form of Covid in England. In previous weeks the NB.1.8.1 variant, dubbed Nimbus, had also been widely prevalent.
Vaccines
There has been a change in who is eligible for a Covid booster jab this autumn. Last year, the jab was available to anyone aged 65 and over, as well as those with a range of chronic or long-term conditions.
This year’s full list of those eligible for the booster includes people who:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)
- Are aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment
- Reside in a care home for older adults
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express
If you’re eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can:
- Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App (if you’re aged five years or over)
- Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site to get vaccinated without an appointment (if you’re aged five years or over)
Some people may be able to get vaccinated at a local service, such as a community pharmacy or a GP surgery, or at a care home if they live in a care home.