Overview

• The NB.1.8.1 ‘Nimbus’ variant has driven a nearly 10% increase in Covid-related hospital admissions, reaching 947 patients in the week ending May 31.
• Early May pollen surges prompted Met Office warnings of 'very high' counts that fuelled widespread hay fever across the UK.
• Bupa associate clinical director Doctor Luke Powles emphasises that a high temperature is a reliable Covid indicator absent in hay fever.
• Covid infections can lead to lingering symptoms, sometimes lasting weeks or months as long Covid, unlike the transient discomfort of hay fever.
• The NHS recommends that individuals with a fever or general malaise remain at home and avoid contact with others until they recover.