You may have caught one of the new strains of Covid circulating this autumn (of which I am one, currently typing this).
XFG, also known as Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, referred to as Nimbus, are now the most common variants being passed around in the UK, according to officials.
Experts say these do not appear to pose any bigger threat than previous types of Covid or make people feel more ill.
It seems like #Covid is back in the air but nobody gives attention to. The funny thing is, I couldn’t find a clinic to test in Addis. If you know one, please let me know.
— Ajirew አጅሬው ዘ ኢትዮዽያ 🇪🇹 (@Pure1Ethiopian) October 2, 2025
But recent genetic changes the virus has acquired may make infections more likely.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, said today: “I swear Covid is back in the air. It’s how we are just catching the damn thing left and right. I’m literally messed up right now”.
Another posted: “It seems like #Covid is back in the air but nobody gives attention to. The funny thing is, I couldn’t find a clinic to test in Addis. If you know one, please let me know.”
It is usual for viruses to evolve as they spread between people over time. When the changes become significantly different, the new virus types are known as variants.
According to some reports, externally, there may be tell-tale symptoms with the latest ones – a hoarse voice or a “razor blade” sore throat.
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Covid can still cause a wide range of symptoms, including headache, coughing, a blocked or runny nose and exhaustion, making it difficult to distinguish from a cold or flu.
If you think you have Covid, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.
If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing of tissues in bins can reduce the spread of this and other respiratory illnesses.
