You may have heard about a new group of COVID variants, known collectively as FLiRT in the news. The unofficial nickname was inspired by the names given to the mutations in the genetic code of the variants.
Regardless of the nicknames given, COVID guidance is still the same. Here’s a reminder of five things to bear in mind with the rise of cases.
- It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change.
- To date there is no evidence these new variants are more severe than others currently circulating in the UK.
- Vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19.
- If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home, if possible.
- If you absolutely can’t stay at home check out the living with COVID guidance which outlines how to prevent transmission to others.
