As the XFG variant of coronavirus continues to dominate Covid case numbers across the UK, public health authorities are urging people who experience certain symptoms to seek urgent medical attention. According to the NHS, this means either booking an urgent appointment with a GP or calling NHS 111 for further support. While many individuals with Covid will see symptoms improve within a few weeks, there are specific signs and circumstances where immediate care is recommended.

Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a steady rise in both Covid-19 and flu cases since late September, coinciding with the colder weather. The Covid-19 positivity rate has increased from 7.6% to 8.4%, with hospital admissions also rising from 2 to 2.73 per 100,000 people. This uptick in infections has prompted renewed calls for vaccination, as jabs can bolster immune defences and help prevent severe illness.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasised the importance of receiving winter vaccines, including for flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). He advised that anyone experiencing symptoms such as high temperature, cough, fatigue, or aches should limit contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable, and wear face coverings if they need to go out. Good hygiene measures such as frequent handwashing and proper disposal of tissues remain crucial in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses.

The NHS lists a broad spectrum of Covid-19 symptoms including blocked or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, exhaustion, changes in smell or taste, fever or chills, sore throat, body aches, diarrhoea, headache, new continuous cough, and loss of appetite. Despite this range, there are clear guidelines on when to seek urgent medical advice. These include high fevers in young children, persistent high temperatures unresponsive to paracetamol, worsening or non-improving symptoms, rash, loss of appetite, or weakness. Overwhelming or atypically severe symptoms should also prompt quicker intervention.

The NHS 111 service plays a pivotal role as an accessible, 24-hour urgent care adviser for those unsure of the severity of their symptoms or when GP contact is unavailable. It directs patients to appropriate care pathways, potentially including urgent treatment centres or emergency services if necessary.

Regarding the ongoing prevalence of the XFG SARS-CoV-2 variant, UKHSA surveillance reports from September through October 2025 consistently identify it as a dominant strain, accounting for roughly a third to over 80% of sequenced cases at different points. Although sequencing numbers are noted to be low, indicating some uncertainty in precise estimates, the variant’s prominence underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and following public health advice.

In summary, as Covid-19 and flu case numbers rise, public health officials stress vaccination, symptom awareness, and timely medical consultation to prevent serious complications. The NHS urges anyone experiencing concerning Covid symptoms or prolonged illness to seek urgent help via their GP or NHS 111 to ensure rapid, appropriate care.

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Source: Noah Wire Services