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1h ago

UK Covid Hospital Admissions Up 60% as Stratus Variant Leads and Doctors Urge Precautions

Officials emphasize vaccination plus simple precautions to protect those at highest risk.

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Overview

  • Hospital admissions in England rose 60% in one month, according to a UKHSA report covering August 18 to September 18, with newer figures due soon.
  • UKHSA surveillance for September 29 to October 5 shows XFG, known as Stratus, as the dominant lineage in England, with NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) also circulating.
  • Recent infections often present with a hoarse voice or an especially painful sore throat, a pattern UKHSA links to the latest variants.
  • This autumn’s Covid booster is limited to people aged 75 and over, those aged six months to 74 with weakened immune systems, and residents of older-adult care homes.
  • Experts advise taking offered Covid or flu vaccines, using well-fitted masks in crowded spaces, maintaining hand hygiene and ventilation, and considering daily vitamin D as rhinovirus, flu, RSV and Covid spread.