Andy Burnham's government has urged the British public to bring back pandemic-era precautions as a surge in respiratory illnesses threatens to overwhelm the NHS. Official health warnings were issued after a rapid rise in the "XFG" Covid variant - dubbed "American Covid" - combined with an unseasonably high spike in winter flu cases.
Rising Cases and Hospital Admissions
Data reveals Covid test positivity climbed to 7% in September, driving a 50% jump in hospital admissions. Health bosses are now pleading with the public to "mask up" when displaying symptoms, stay at home if running a fever, and practice strict hand hygiene.
It comes as ministers mobilise free flu jabs for vulnerable populations amidst separate international biosecurity alarms.
New Guidance on Strep A
Fresh government guidance has been issued surrounding another dangerous bug: Group A streptococci (GAS), commonly known as "strep A". Experts warn that while strep A is common and often mild, it can lead to severe complications if passed on through coughs, sneezes, or open wounds.
A blog post on health protection highlighted: "Group A streptococci (GAS), also referred to as 'strep A', is a common bacterium. Some of us carry strep in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness."
Severe Risks and Vigilance
Milder conditions like scarlet fever, impetigo, and tonsillitis can usually be treated with standard antibiotics. However, in rare instances, the bacteria can penetrate deeper into tissues or lungs, triggering invasive Group A strep (iGAS) - a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ failure or Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Health officials warned parents to remain especially vigilant if young children have recently suffered from chickenpox: "The chickenpox rash can make it easier for group A strep to get into the body, which can lead to invasive infection."
"If a child has chickenpox - or has had it in the last 2 weeks - parents should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis and arthritis."
Preventive Measures
To curb the spread of both viral and bacterial threats this season, the public is urged to wash hands regularly with soap and warm water, catch coughs in tissues, and ventilate homes well.
