Britons are being advised to make three simple changes right now to help prevent contracting the newest Covid-19 strain that’s currently circulating across the UK. The strain, known as Stratus, consists of two variants – XFG and XFG. 3, which were first detected in January this year.
By June, the World Health Organisation had designated XFG as being “under monitoring” following reports of “increasing proportions globally.” However, by 3rd September, the UK Health Security Agency recorded a 7.1% increase in coronavirus cases across England compared to the previous week, although it remains unclear how many instances involve the XFG strain.
A GP has now urged people to make three changes as the virus continues spreading throughout Britain, claiming these steps could help protect people from infection, reports the Mirror, reports Birmingham Live. Dr Kader used his TikTok account, called ask. doctor.k, to explain exactly what the public should know about the symptoms.
Dr Kader said: “Here’s what you need to know about the new Covid variant that’s hit the UK. It’s called Stratus or XFG, and actually the symptoms are a little bit different when compared to the previous variants.
“You may have noticed that everyone is getting sick this week, and we’ve seen a huge rise in Covid cases in hospital patients, and part of the reason why infections are spreading fast is because the weather is changing, it’s getting a bit colder, people are staying indoors more and just passing the bugs to each other. The new variant seems to be starting with ear, nose and throat symptoms, so most people are complaining about a really hoarse voice or a super sore throat.
“It also seems to present with more GI symptoms. A lot of people are complaining about nausea, vomiting, bloating [and] acid reflux.” However, he did note that there’s some encouraging news, as the strain appears to cause a “milder” infection than previous variants.
Despite this, he said it’s also thought to be more contagious. Three alterations to implement. This is why he encouraged people to make three urgent alterations to try and prevent becoming unwell.
They could genuinely help you to fend off the virus, and they include:.
If you feel unwell, he also highlighted it’s best to stay at home until you recover.
By adhering to these measures, you should be able to limit the spread of the virus.
Is the Stratus coronavirus hazardous?
Whilst coronavirus is now an exceptionally common illness, Dr Gareth Nye at the University of Salford previously shared his thoughts on the matter with The Mirror.
He stressed that it’s still vital to take preventative measures. Those aged 65 and over, infants, and adults with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe complications from coronavirus.
Therefore, if you suspect you have contracted any strain of the virus, it’s crucial to get tested and self-isolate.
Dr Nye warned: “Although coronavirus is now a very common disease, it is still dangerous to a large percentage of the population. And so, if you think you have coronavirus, testing and isolation should still take place, the same advice applies if you have any illness.”
If you believe you may have caught the coronavirus, it’s advised that you take a test. Further information about the coronavirus can be found on the NHS website.
