New COVID Variants Triggering Sore Throats,Especially in Young and Elderly - Free Vaccines Available
A sore throat is emerging as a key symptom of the latest COVID-19 variants,Stratus and Nimbus,currently circulating in the UK. Health officials report rising COVID rates, particularly among the very young and elderly, and are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated.
According to the Royal College of GPs, COVID cases are increasing across the UK. While a sore throat is a prominent symptom, health experts advise drinking plenty of fluids and consuming a teaspoon of honey to alleviate discomfort.
Individuals aged 75 and over are currently eligible for a free COVID vaccine through the NHS, offering significant protection even against the new variants, according to the UK Health security Agency (UKHSA). The UKHSA is also encouraging people to receive vaccinations against flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as winter approaches and cases begin to rise.
“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,” stated the UKHSA. “The most critically important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is indeed due.”
Reinfection with COVID-19 is possible even after recent infection or vaccination, though reinfections are typically mild. While free COVID tests are no longer widely available, they can still be purchased at pharmacies.
