A pharmacist has shared a six-item winter sick day kit that every home should have this season as ‘American Covid’ XFG Stratus variant cases and symptoms continue to rise across the UK
A pharmacist is calling on people to stockpile a six-item kit at home this autumn and winter as reports of ‘American Covid‘ continue to dominate health headlines across the UK. American Covid is a media moniker for the XFG (or Stratus) variant, a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2.
The variant earned its nickname purely because it was initially sequenced and spotted in North America, where it subsequently became the prevailing strain. Fresh health data shows a dramatic surge in infections and hospital admissions, sparking fears about winter pressures on the NHS.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that the XFG strain now makes up more than half of all sequenced positive cases across England.
Monthly UKHSA figures showed that logged Covid cases rocketed by 230% (rising from 1,374 in August to 4,589 in September). Hospital admissions for Covid patients soared by more than 420%, leaping from 950 to nearly 4,939 within a month.
It’s important to note, though, that the UKHSA has stated there’s no data or evidence indicating the XFG strain triggers more serious illness than earlier variants. The variant isn’t a sudden mutation; it has actually been spreading globally and throughout the UK in some form for more than a year, reports the Mirror, reports Wales Online.
The current winter booster jabs have been specially designed to combat the XFG strain and its sub-variants. The NHS is still urging eligible groups, including those aged over 75, care home residents, and people with compromised immune systems, to arrange their autumn/winter vaccinations.
Hanna Yusuf, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, said: “Recent figures from the UKHSA show an increase in COVID-19 activity and hospitalisations, with XFG among the variants currently circulating, often referred to as ‘American Covid’ or the ‘Stratus variant’. Symptoms remain broadly similar to those seen with other COVID-19 variants, including fatigue, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, a runny or blocked nose and sore throat.
“A hoarse or croaky voice has also been reported, although this is not unique to XFG. Given the time of year and that these symptoms are very similar to a cold or seasonal virus, patients may not realise that they have covid. With that in mind, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure that you are protected this winter.”
The NHS states that COVID-19 symptoms closely resemble those of other ailments, such as colds and flu. “Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness, and their symptoms can last longer,” it says.
What’s in the six-item kit?
The pharmacist recommends putting together a ‘sick day kit’ to keep at home during the upcoming months. Cold and flu activity usually reaches its peak between December and February.
- throat spray
- lozenges
- saline rinses
- thermometer
- pain relief
- COVID tests
She explained: “Keep throat spray, lozenges, saline rinses, a reliable thermometer, pain relief, and a few COVID test kits ready at home. This saves panic trips to the pharmacy when you feel unwell”.
Having a well-prepared home medical kit allows you to tackle symptoms immediately, keep proper tabs on your illness, and stop contagious bugs from spreading without having to venture out when you’re under the weather. It also means you can begin addressing symptoms the instant they emerge and avoid putting vulnerable members of the public at risk by staying indoors.
How can people stay safe as cases rise?
Hanna’s key recommendations for keeping safe this winter, as Covid cases climb, include keeping up with vaccinations, responding swiftly if you’re high risk, and not dismissing changes in your throat. She also encourages people to use a thermometer and keep a timeline, as well as consulting a pharmacist, “not just the internet”.
She explained: “If you’re eligible for COVID boosters or the flu jab, book it early. Usually, protection takes about two weeks to build.”
She also stresses the importance of staying alert to sore throat warning signs, such as pain, scratchiness, or irritation that typically worsens when you swallow. View that as your cue to rest and test, rather than simply battling through.
“Flu symptoms usually hit hard within 24 hours, whereas COVID can build over several days, although it isn’t always possible to tell which infection you have based on symptoms alone. Tracking how your symptoms develop can help you work out which you might have, and when you’re most infectious,” she added.
Those with a long-term health condition, who are pregnant, or aged over 65 should not wait until day five before seeking assistance.
Early antiviral treatment can prove helpful, but it works best when begun without delay. She added: “While there is a lot of helpful information online, pharmacists can advise on symptom management, check medication suitability, and help you access vaccines or treatment quickly, often without needing a GP appointment.”
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