A pharmacist has issued an urgent Covid alert for people over the age of 65, urging them to act quickly if they develop symptoms. Hanna Yusuf, prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, said early antiviral treatment can make a difference but works best if started promptly.
Yusuf said: "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."
Rising Covid cases in England
UKHSA surveillance figures for the week ending October 4 recorded 1,638 Covid cases identified in hospital settings in England, up from 1,328 the previous week. The XFG variant, sometimes referred to as 'American Covid' or the 'Stratus variant', has been among the Covid variants circulating in the UK.
Yusuf 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." She added that a hoarse or croaky voice has also been reported, although it is not unique to the XFG variant.
Advice for high-risk groups
Yusuf has urged people to be particularly mindful of their risk if they develop symptoms, especially as the infection can initially feel like a routine seasonal illness. Her advice includes keeping Covid tests at home, staying up to date with vaccinations when eligible and asking a pharmacist or healthcare professional for guidance.
In Wales, Covid antivirals are available to people considered at the highest risk of severe illness, but being over 65 does not automatically qualify someone for treatment. Anyone in an eligible risk group who develops symptoms and tests positive should contact their GP promptly for an assessment, as treatment is most beneficial when started within five days of symptoms beginning.
Recognising symptoms and reducing transmission
People should not rely on symptoms alone to distinguish Covid from flu or a cold, as there is considerable overlap between the illnesses. If you are concerned about your symptoms or think you may qualify for treatment, seek advice promptly rather than waiting for your condition to worsen.
Public health departments also stress that staying home when sick remains one of the most effective ways to protect vulnerable community members. Isolating during the initial days of infection helps break the chain of transmission and eases the seasonal burden on local healthcare systems.
