Pharmacist urges high-risk adults to act fast as US-linked Covid variant rises

Recent UK Health Security Agency figures indicate a climb in Covid admissions, reaching 1,638 cases in English hospitals for the week ending October 4. The increase is linked to the XFG strain, known as "American Covid" or "Stratus," which has been present globally for more than a year. Prescribing pharmacist Hanna Yusuf of Chemist4U cautions that the variant’s symptoms—fatigue, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and sometimes a hoarse voice—are easily mistaken for seasonal illnesses.

She advises anyone over 65, pregnant, or with long-term conditions to seek medical advice without delay, as early antiviral treatment can reduce severity but must be started promptly. Eligibility for NHS antivirals remains limited to those at the highest risk with a confirmed positive test. Yusuf also recommends staying up to date with autumn Covid and flu vaccines, using home thermometers and rapid tests, and practicing respiratory hygiene to ease winter pressure on hospitals.