In the United Kingdom, the rapid spread of two new COVID variants has prompted authorities to advise citizens to wear masks in crowded public places and to self isolate if they test positive for the virus.
According to British media, the new variants, named Stratus and Nimbus, are contributing to the surge in infections, with cases doubling since August.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, stated that the rise in cases and hospital admissions at the beginning of autumn is alarming.
He explained that factors contributing to this increase include children returning to school, people spending more time indoors during the colder months (often with poor ventilation), and weakened immunity.
Experts have noted that one of the new variants is characterized by a sharp, sore throat pain resembling a cut, but these variants do not appear to be more dangerous than previous COVID strains and are not causing more severe illness. However, due to genetic changes in the virus, the likelihood of infection may be higher.
Just yesterday, health authorities launched the winter vaccination campaign, urging people to get both COVID and flu vaccines, as hospital admissions continue to rise and the positivity rate has increased from 7.6% to 8.4% within a week.
Although scientists are still studying these two variants in detail, they believe the differences compared to earlier strains are minor.
Professor Young explained that symptoms are mostly similar to previous COVID infections, such as headache, cough, and runny nose. However, with these new variants, many patients experience hoarseness or a sharp burning sensation in the throat. The Stratus variant, in particular, is marked by a persistent dry cough, fatigue, and fever.
Experts have appealed to the public to act responsibly in order to protect themselves and others from the virus, which can still prove to be life threatening.
