A croaky voice and a sharp, “razor blade” sore throat are emerging as tell-tale signs of the latest Covid variants now sweeping Britain and the US. The strains — XFB, dubbed Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, known as Nimbus — are fuelling a surge in infections, with cases doubling since August. At the same time, health chiefs have launched a winter vaccination drive, urging millions to come forward for Covid and flu jabs as hospitalisations creep up.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said positivity had risen from 7.6 to 8.4 per cent in just a week, while admissions increased from 2.0 to 2.73 per 100,000. In the US, nationwide Covid wastewater levels, used to measure the community spread of a virus, are “moderate,” according to the CDC, but four states are recording “very high” levels and those in the northeast region are on the rise. Dr Aaron Glatt, a US-based infectious disease expert, said patients were complaining of severe pain, “as if their throat is covered with razor blades.”
He added that while this description is not unique to Covid-19, it has been used by some patients infected with the newest variants. The strains can also cause more familiar symptoms such as headaches, coughing, fatigue and a runny or blocked nose. Experts stress they are not more dangerous than earlier versions, but genetic mutations mean they can spread more easily. Health authorities advise people with symptoms to stay at home if possible, avoid vulnerable individuals and wear face coverings if they must go out.
Over-75s, people with weakened immune systems and care home residents are eligible for the winter Covid booster, which can be booked through the NHS app, online or at walk-in centres. Pregnant women and children are also invited for vaccination, while toddlers can receive a flu spray at community pharmacies. The rise in cases comes after a controversial South Korean study claimed Covid vaccines “might raise the risk of cancer,” though experts dismissed the findings as exaggerated and said there is no credible evidence that Covid vaccines cause or promote cancer. READ MORE BELOW
