What you should know about the new ‘Stratus’ Covid variant hitting the UK
As the UK enters Autumn, rates of respiratory illnesses start to rise, and people ask how the most common current lineages - or groups of genetically similar viruses - compare to previous Covid-19 variants.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the most common current variants being seen in the UK right now are the XFG and NB.1.8.1 (sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus and Nimbus variants).
The agency’s genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages last month found that 35% were classified as XFG.3, 28% were classified as XFG, 11% were classified as NB.1.8.1, 7% were classified as XFG.5 and 7% were classified as XFG.3.4.1.
Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.
“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,” the UKHSA said.
Precautions to take
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.
For those of us who absolutely can’t stay at home, the Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others:
- Wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask.
- Avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated.
- Take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face.
