It’s been over five years since COVID first emerged, but the virus is still circulating in the UK.
The latest NHS England data shows hospital admissions linked to COVID rose by just over 15% in the first half of September.
As we head into colder months, it’s normal for respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and COVID to spike. And this year is no exception, with new variants emerging alongside the usual winter bugs.
That means more people will be asking the same questions: What are the latest COVID strains, what symptoms should we look out for, and what’s the best advice if we test positive (or don’t have access to a test but feel unwell)?
Here’s what we currently know.
What are the latest COVID variants?
According to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, the most common COVID strains right now are XFG and NB.1.8.1 – otherwise known as the Stratus and Nimbus variants.
Last month, Stratus accounted for around 35% of sequenced cases, while Nimbus made up 11%.
So far, there’s no evidence to suggest these strains cause more severe illness than earlier variants. As the UKHSA points out, viruses mutate all the time, and most changes don’t make them more dangerous.
The most important step if you’re eligible is still to take up your seasonal COVID vaccination when offered, as this provides the best protection against serious illness.
If you don’t feel well enough to work, the advice is to stay at home if possible and avoid contact with vulnerable people. (Getty Images)
The difference between Stratus and Nimbus COVID strains
Both the Nimbus and Stratus variants started spreading more widely over the summer, with Stratus overtaking other strains to become the most common by July 2025, according to UK data.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled both Stratus and Nimbus as “variants under monitoring.” That means scientists are keeping a close eye on them, but neither is thought to cause more serious disease than past versions of the virus.
Some reports have suggested Stratus may cause hoarseness, while Nimbus has been linked with what people describe as a “razor blade throat” – a sore throat that feels especially painful when speaking or swallowing.
While these symptoms haven’t been included in official NHS guidance, they highlight how COVID can affect everyone slightly differently.
Read more: COVID or flu? Here’s how to tell the difference
What are the latest symptoms of COVID for 2025?
COVID symptoms continue to overlap heavily with other respiratory infections, which makes them tricky to distinguish without a test.
According to NHS guidance, the most common symptoms include:
High temperature or chills
Loss of or change to your sense of taste and smell
While most people recover at home, anyone who is very unwell or has trouble breathing should seek urgent medical help.
There’s no evidence to suggest current COVID strains cause more severe illness than earlier variants. (Getty Images)
What to do if you have COVID
Not everyone will know straight away if their cough, sore throat or fever is COVID or something else. The NHS says the best guide is how unwell you feel.
If you develop a high temperature or don’t feel well enough to work or carry out normal activities, the advice is to stay home and avoid contact with others – especially anyone vulnerable.
If you can’t stay at home, the government’s Living with COVID guidance still applies. It recommends:
Wearing a well-fitting mask in enclosed or crowded places
Avoiding busy, poorly ventilated areas like packed trains or large events
Exercising outdoors where possible
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser regularly
These steps help lower the risk of passing the virus (or any other winter bug) on to those around you.
Read more about COVID: