New UKHSA Covid advice as Brits told to 'stay at home' and new variant detected
New UKHSA Covid advice as Brits told to 'stay at home' and new variant detected
The UKHSA has issued advice to Brits with Covid-19 symptoms after a new strain, called NB.1.8.1, was detected in small numbers in the UK with an increase in hospital admissions
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )
Britons exhibiting Covid symptoms have been urged to "stay at home" by leading health experts, following the emergence of a new variant that has brought about an uptick in hospitalisations. The novel strain, dubbed NB.
1.8. 1, has been spotted in modest quantities within the UK, with England confirming 13 cases based on PCR-positive Covid samples from the UK Health Security Agency.
Recent data from the UKHSA, covering the period from May 26 to June 1, indicates a marginal rise in Covid-19 activity in England. Rates of weekly hospital admissions due to the virus have seen a slight ascent to 1.49 per every 100,000 individuals, a minor increase from the 1.40 per 100,000 reported in the preceding week.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director at the UKHSA, mentioned: "NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all COVID-19 cases."
She further clarified: "Based on the available information so far however, there is no evidence to suggest that this variant causes more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against it.", reports the Mirror.
The WHO included NB. 1.8.1 on its watch list as of May 23. This variant is one of six Covid-19 strains presently under surveillance by the global health body.
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Initially identified on January 21, by late April 2025 NB. 1.8.
1 accounted for approximately 10.7 percent of global infections, marking a steep climb from the mere 2.5 percent recorded four weeks earlier, per the WHO's findings.
A person views the NHS app on a mobile phone.
(Image: PA )
The WHO suggested in a recent statement that the strain might be more contagious than its predecessors, however, it seems not to aggravate symptoms or lead to more severe illness.
UKHSA's advice for Brits regarding Covid is to remain alert, sans any restrictions. According to WHO, imposing travel limitations isn't advised in response to the new variant.
Their report read: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats.
"Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
For those displaying Covid symptoms or feeling unwell enough to attend work or other activities, the UKHSA recommends avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals and staying home where feasible.
A blog post from the agency underscored: "The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination when it is due if you're eligible."
It also reaffirmed that vaccinations are the most effective way to protect against serious consequences and hospitalisations caused by flu and Covid-19.
According to the latest updates, the spring 2025 Covid booster programme will stay open to qualified cohorts until June 17, with bookings via the NHS App, its website, or the 119 helpline readily available.
Questions remain about the specific symptoms of Covid variant NB. 1.8.1.
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The symptoms of the new strain are thought to be identical to those of previous Covid variants. The NHS has stated that the common symptoms of Covid-19, which closely resemble those of other illnesses like colds and flu, include:.
The NHSM asserts that most individuals with Covid experience improvement within a few weeks, though recovery may take longer for some. For certain individuals, the illness can be more severe and symptoms may persist for an extended period.
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