Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson has shared the key symptoms of XFG Covid, the latest strain now dominating in the UK after spreading rapidly in the United States. Hospital admissions in England rose from 950 in August to 4,939 in September, with XFG and its sub-lineages accounting for almost half of sequenced samples, according to UKHSA data. Covid deaths also increased to 28 in the latest week, up nine from the previous week.
What Are the Symptoms?
Claire Nevinson explained that XFG symptoms remain similar to other variants, including high temperature, continuous cough, and loss of taste or smell. She noted there is little evidence to suggest these new variants cause different symptoms.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK." He stressed the strains are "closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year" and there is no evidence they are making people more ill.
Advice for Recovery and Prevention
Claire advised: "Most people with Covid-19 will feel better within a few weeks and there are steps you can take to help ease symptoms, like drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest." She also provided guidance on distinguishing between cold, flu, and Covid symptoms.
Prevention remains key through good hygiene, regular handwashing, and vaccination for those eligible through the NHS or privately through pharmacies like Boots. The full list of 12 symptoms is available in the original report.
