Ipswich Hospital has issued a fresh Covid update as winter approaches, weeks after the spread of the XFG strain, dubbed “American Covid” or “Stratus”, prompted concern.
The Ipswich Star reported last month that the strain had become one of the most common variants in circulation, although evidence did not suggest it caused more severe illness than other strains.
Now, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich Hospital, has provided a further update as the colder months arrive.
The trust confirmed there has been no increase in Covid admissions at the hospital during the past month.
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A spokesperson said they understood Covid and flu numbers had recently stabilised in the community, while the common cold virus was circulating more widely, and directed people to the UK Health Security Agency for current trends and figures.
ESNEFT is encouraging everyone eligible to take up winter flu and Covid vaccinations.
The trust said respiratory viruses spread more easily during winter when people spend more time indoors, adding that vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness.
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