If you’re feeling under the weather with a razor-sharp sore throat and a high fever, you may have picked up one of the newer Covid variants spreading this autumn, reports The Mirror.
It’s now been five years since Covid-19 first emerged, and since then, multiple variants have developed.
The most widespread variants currently circulating in Ireland are XFG, sometimes referred to as Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, also known as Nimbus, according to confirmation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in late September 2025, during a rise in local cases, reports The Mirror.
Medical experts say these versions don’t seem to be any more severe or dangerous than earlier strains of Covid.
However, due to recent genetic mutations, these versions may be more contagious and come with some slightly altered symptoms, reports The Mirror.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told The Mirror: “You can still get some of the same features as with the common cold, like a cough or runny nose, but we are seeing a lot more hoarseness of voice. It’s not a defining feature, you can experience this with the common cold too but with Covid, you can get a bit of laryngitis and this hoarse voice,” reports The Mirror.
This marks a slight shift in symptoms compared to earlier strains. Dr Khan added: “You can get a razor sharp sore throat, but also loss of taste. It’s probably less common than the first strains but that can indicate Covid,” reports The Mirror.
As viruses pass from person to person, it’s normal for them to evolve. When changes are significant, they result in what are called new variants.
Covid continues to produce a wide array of symptoms—such as headaches, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, and fatigue—making it hard to tell apart from colds or the flu, reports The Mirror.
If you suspect you have Covid, it’s best to avoid vulnerable individuals and stay at home when possible.
If you need to go out while experiencing symptoms, it’s still recommended that you wear a mask. Hand hygiene and proper tissue disposal can help reduce transmission of Covid and other respiratory viruses, reports The Mirror.
Dr Khan also recommends early testing, especially for those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk.
He says: “With Covid, you can get antivirals, but this will only be beneficial if you get tested really early. If you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing can provide information to your GP and they can consider antiviral medication,” reports The Mirror.
The WHO stated: “It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and 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, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due,” reports The Mirror.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
