UKHSA issues 20-second Covid warning as two variants spread in UK

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a 20-second warning to help curb the spread of Covid. Its advice comes as two variants of the infection are currently the most prevalent in the UK.

Figures from the Royal College of GPs show that rates of Covid are now increasing across the UK. Hospital admissions linked to Covid are also going up.

In an update from the UKHSA, it explained that most common variants in the UK currently are the XFG and NB.1.8.1 - also known as Stratus and Nimbus. The UKHSA said: “Our genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages last month found that 35 per cent were classified as XFG.3, 28 per cent were classified as XFG, 11 per cent were classified as NB.1.8.1, seven per cent were classified as XFG.5 and seven per cent were classified as XFG.3.4.1.”

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At the moment it is not thought that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The UKHSA continued: “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. ”

It stated that the “most important thing” is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due. On top of this, it provided advice for anyone who is unwell or experiencing Covid symptoms.

“If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible,” the UKHSA said.

However, if you are unable to stay home it issued guidance on a 20-second rule that could help minimise the risk of spreading the virus. You should “wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds” after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food, it said.

It also recommended you:

• Wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
• Avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
• Take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your face

Symptoms

According to the NHS, symptoms of Covid include:

• A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• An aching body
• A headache
• A sore throat
• A blocked or runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.