Health experts have issued a warning as the UK faces a potential 'tripledemic' of Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter. Cases of the new Covid strain, known as Stratus, are rising, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting an increase from 7.6% to 8.4% of confirmed cases in a week.
The Stratus variant includes two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, the latter accounting for around 40% of UK Covid cases as of June. Symptoms of this strain often resemble those of a common cold or flu, but a hoarse or raspy voice is a key early indicator distinguishing it from other respiratory illnesses.
According to Dr Nye, speaking to The Mirror, people with this version tend to experience very sore throats and a hoarse voice, compared with more general symptoms like cough, temperature, and aches. Additional symptoms include blocked noses, sore throats, digestive issues, and exhaustion.
The NHS advises looking out for four major symptoms that could indicate Covid, flu, or RSV: fever, cough, sneezing or runny nose, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can come on very quickly and range from minor to severe.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal of the UKHSA urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated before winter, stating: 'Vaccination offers the best protection against flu, Covid-19 and RSV.' Flu cases have already risen from 1.1% to 1.3%, and RSV is also expected to increase, potentially leading to serious infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
