It’s been more than five years since the first Covid lockdown. Yep, nearly half a decade has passed since all the pot-bashing, daily walking, and Zoom quizzing. Although that all feels very far away from us now, Covid has stuck around, and new strains are still popping up.
This isn’t cause for panic: scientists and doctors understand Covid much better now than they did in 2020, and these new strains are not thought to be any more severe than previous ones. If you’re immunocompromised, you’re still eligible for a free vaccine this winter to reduce any risk of harm.
Although these new variants don’t seem to be more severe, they will be more contagious, making widespread infection more likely. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Stratus and Nimbus strains which have been making their way through the UK recently.
What are new Stratus and Nimbus Covid strains?
Stratus and Nimbus are the names that have been given to the Covid variants XFG and NB.1.8.1 respectively. It’s very common for diseases to mutate over time, so health experts are not particularly worried about these ones popping up.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that ‘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’, but has assured that there is no reason to believe our current vaccinations will be ineffective against Stratus and Nimbus.
‘The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due’, the agency concluded.
What are the new symptoms?
The main symptom that indicates you’re suffering from one of the new Covid strains is a ‘razor-blaze’ sore throat, and a hoarse voice.
Full list of symptoms
As always, symptoms for Covid will vary from person to person, and the telltale signs are very similar to those for your typical cold or flu. The NHS lists the following as potential symptoms of Covid-19:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills) – meaning you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 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
If you suspect you might have Covid, you can purchase a test from a pharmacy.
What do I do if I have Covid?
You no longer need to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid, however the NHS does recommend that you try to limit contact with people, particularly vulnerable people, where possible.
The NHS also suggests that you ‘go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature’.
How to get vaccinated
There are a few groups who are eligible for a free Covid vaccine this winter, including:
- are aged 75 or over (or will be 75 by January 31 2026)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
If you fit the criteria, you can book an appointment here, or find a local walk-in centre here. You don’t need an invitation to get vaccinated.
The vaccination is still given as a jab, but one dose is typically enough.
If you’re not eligible to get vaccinated on the NHS, but still feel you would benefit from the extra protection, you can pay for one from a private provider such as Boots. Expect to pay roughly £70-£100 per dose, depending on where you go.
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