Covid rates in the UK have doubled in the last four weeks, prompting health officials to issue a warning about symptoms of the latest variant, Stratus. Dr. Khan recommends early testing, particularly for those vulnerable or immunocompromised, as antiviral treatments are most effective when administered early in the infection.
He explains: “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 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging peopel to get vaccinated against covid, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as cases increase ahead of winter. People over 75 are eligible for a free Covid vaccine on the NHS, which the UKHSA says offers good protection, even against new variants.
“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, and also actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible,” the UKHSA stated. “The most critically important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is indeed due.”
