A pharmacist has issued a two-word warning to people born before 1961 and other high-risk groups as Covid cases rise across England. The advice comes as the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show 1,638 cases identified in hospital settings in England in the week to October 4, up from 1,328 the week before.
The XFG strain, sometimes dubbed 'American Covid' or 'Stratus', is among the variants circulating. Health officials say it has actually been quietly circulating globally for over a year.
Pharmacist's warning to high-risk groups
Hanna Yusuf, prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, warned that people may mistake the infection for a seasonal bug as the weather turns colder. She said: "Symptoms remain broadly similar to those seen with other Covid-19 variants, including fatigue, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, a runny or blocked nose and sore throat."
A hoarse or croaky voice has also been reported, although it is not unique to this variant. Because symptoms can overlap heavily with seasonal colds and flu, it is not always possible to identify which infection someone has from how they feel alone.
Yusuf said people at higher risk should not wait until they feel seriously unwell before asking for advice. Her advice was: "Act quickly if you're high-risk. If you have a long-term condition, are pregnant, or over 65, don't wait until day five to seek help. Early antiviral treatment can make a difference but works best if started promptly."
Who is eligible for antivirals?
However, it is a common misconception that being aged 65 or over automatically makes someone eligible for NHS Covid antivirals. In England, targeted treatment assessments are strictly reserved for individuals deemed to be at the absolute highest risk of becoming seriously ill who have symptoms and a validated positive test. Anyone concerned about their risk profile should contact their GP or follow local NHS advice.
Yusuf also encouraged people who are eligible for an autumn Covid vaccine or flu jab to keep up to date with their seasonal protection. She said having a working thermometer and rapid Covid tests at home may help people monitor symptoms accurately and act sooner if they become unwell.
NHS guidance and next steps
The NHS reiterates that people who qualify for specialised Covid treatment should keep rapid lateral flow tests available at home and seek a clinical assessment immediately after registering a positive result. Treatment needs to be started within a narrow window from symptom onset, so those in a high-risk group should not put off getting medical advice while waiting to see whether symptoms worsen.
To help ease the mounting winter pressures on hospitals, health officials urge the public to practice good respiratory hygiene and stay at home if they feel unwell. If you develop a high temperature or do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities, the current guidance recommends avoiding contact with others until symptoms subside.
Eligible individuals can check their vaccine status and book their seasonal boosters directly through the NHS National Booking Service or by visiting the GOV.UK Coronavirus Guide to review the full criteria for targeted antiviral treatments.
