People infected with a new and infectious strain of Covid have been urged to “avoid contact” with vulnerable people and stay home if possible, as cases rise across the UK. The Stratus strain, which has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, currently accounts for a larger proportion of infections than any other and can be identified by its unique symptom of a hoarse voice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated it a “variant under monitoring” but said the public health risk it poses continues to be low at the global level.
Following a spike in hospitalisations from Covid this week, however, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a new warning for those with symptoms to “avoid contact” with vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. “Flu and Covid-19 levels are starting to slowly increase,” Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said.
“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.”
According to UKHSA data, the overall hospital admission rate for Covid increased from 2 per 100,000 to 2.73 per 100,000 this week.
Cases of Rhinovirus, the most frequent cause of the common cold, also rose from 10.9% to 14.8% in the last week. Rhinovirus infections can also cause severe illness, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
The government’s Living with Covid guidance recommends that anyone who tests positively for the virus wears a face covering in public, avoids crowded places and takes exercise in outdoor areas where they are unlikely to have close contact with others.
They are also advised to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitiser after sneezing or coughing and avoid touching their face.
Based on existing evidence, the WHO said the Covid vaccines currently available on the NHS do offer effective treatment for the Stratus variant.
