The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that Covid has now risen to “medium levels” and the number of patients in hospital with the virus has soared by 69%.
A GP is advising Brits to keep a list of items to stock up on as Covid is circulating within communities across the UK.
Dr Roger Henderson who is a GP and a spokesperson for Olbas is telling people to be prepared as respiratory viruses could soar as the colder weather hits.
Dr Henderson said, “Stock up on basics like paracetamol or ibuprofen, tissues, lozenges, cough syrup, natural decongestants, rehydration salts, and a thermometer.
“Make sure you’ve got hand soap, hand gel, and some masks if someone gets sick and if you can, try to have a good airflow at home (open a window for a short time or use an air filter).
“Try to plan ahead for being able to get food or medicine should you need to stay at home if you are unwell.”
The UKHSA said the dominant variant in the UK is XFG or Stratus and Covid has changed over the past few years.
The UKHSA said, “Today, many people now experience cold-like symptoms and some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or change in sense of taste or smell.
“Some people report a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat, associated with the latest variants.
“This has been referred to in the media as ‘razor-blade throat’.”
He listed some simple steps to take to help reduce the risk of catching the virus, such as keeping rooms aired, wash hands more regularly, wear a mask in crowded places cover coughs and sneezes and stay home if you are unwell.
Dr Henderson added: “Together, these small steps really cut down the spread of colds, flu, and Covid.”
