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If you're feeling somewhat unwell, an unexpected symptom might suggest that you've caught one of the fresh Covid variants currently doing the rounds. One of the most common strains in the UK right now is XFG, also referred to as Stratus. Medical professionals have provided reassurance that these don't seem to present any heightened danger compared to earlier forms of Covid or trigger more serious illness. Nevertheless, recent genetic modifications in the virus could boost infection likelihood and display marginally different symptoms, including a scratchy throat. Read more: Murder probe after man attacked in Birmingham Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, told the Mirror: "You can still get some of the same features as with the common cold, like a cough or runny nose, but we are seeing a lot more hoarseness of voice." Dr Khan continued: "It's not a defining feature, you can experience this with the common cold too, but with Covid, you can get a bit of laryngitis and this hoarse voice." This differs somewhat from symptoms linked with other strains. Dr Khan added: "You can get a razor-sharp sore throat, but also loss of taste. It's probably less common than the first strains, but that can indicate Covid.", reports the Express, reports Nottinghamshire Live . It's typical for viruses to develop over time as they circulate amongst populations. When the alterations become substantially different, the fresh forms of virus are termed variants. Covid continues to present a variety of symptoms, including headaches, coughing, a blocked or runny nose and fatigue, making it challenging to differentiate from a common cold or flu. If you believe you have caught Covid, it is essential to avoid contact with vulnerable people and remain at home if feasible. If you must venture out whilst displaying symptoms, current guidance still suggests wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently and binning tissues correctly to help limit transmission. Dr Khan strongly advocates early testing for those who are more vulnerable or have weakened immune systems. He states: "With Covid, you can get antivirals, but this will only be beneficial if you get tested really early. If you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing can provide information to your GP and they can consider antiviral medication." The NHS provides free Covid jabs to individuals over 75. This can offer substantial protection, even against new variants, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The agency is encouraging people to book their vaccinations against flu and another common winter virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), as cases start to climb ahead of winter. The UKHSA declared: "It's normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants, we'll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. "The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due."
