Overview

• The guidance outlines how COVID-19, influenza, RSV and the common cold typically present to help the public navigate co-circulating winter viruses.
• Omicron subvariants XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) are currently the predominant strains under monitoring by UK authorities and the WHO.
• Reports link Stratus to a hoarse voice and Nimbus to a severe “razor blade” sore throat, though experts caution these signs are not reliable for diagnosis.
• COVID-19 continues to cause serious illness mainly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to public-health assessments.
• RSV commonly affects infants during November to February and can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia in some cases, while rhinovirus colds usually develop gradually with nasal symptoms and sore throat.