A London-based physician has reported an increase in the most recent strain of Covid-19. In an interview with MyLondon, Dr. Vikram Murthy stated that as autumn approaches and people spend more time indoors, the illness is become more common.

More Covid-19 variants are emerging in the wake of the summer's development of the FLiRT variation. One such variant is the new XEC variant, which by September 23 accounted for 20% of all positive samples in the UK. And as October approaches, the number of Covid cases itself is rising, according to Dr. Murthy.

"We always expected this virus to get worse over the winter months," Dr Murthy said, "which is what we're seeing in London." He added that because Covid is a virus which constantly mutates and adapts, it's going to take a while before we see the back of it.

"I expect we are going to have to manage and live with it for a few years," he said. And over the winter, "it's going to get worse as temperatures decrease and people are indoors." But in general, Covid-19 isn't 'getting worse', Dr Murthy thinks. It's also a time of year when plenty of other bugs are going around, so it's a common time to get sick.

Latest Covid symptoms to watch for

Dr Murthy said that while the latest symptoms of Covid-19 are fairly similar to flu, or perhaps a bad cold, there are some signs to look out for:

• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Shivering
• High temperature
• Loss of taste and smell

If you suspect you might have Covid, you can still do a test, Dr Murthy said. The best cause of action is to take precautions, he says, and to get help if you're still feeling ill after a week or so.

How to recover from Covid

But if you've got Covid, Dr Murthy also has some tips to help you in your recovery:

Rest as much as you can

Drink lots of fluids

Take paracetamol when needed

Dr Murthy also emphasised that there is increasing research also looking into long Covid, including at University College Hospital in London. He urged people suffering from the condition to remain positive and that help is available if you need it.

Other illnesses spreading around London in the ‘tripledemic’

It is not only Covid that is wiping Londoners out at the moment, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu are also being spread. together they are being referred to as a ‘tripledemic’ . Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall, has explained: “In recent years, it’s been used to describe the simultaneous spread of COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each of these viruses can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.”

A rise in people getting winter viruses is predicted to cause strain on NHS resources. Dr Tang added: “It is of particular concern now because, as these viruses circulate together, they can put pressure on the NHS due to a greater influx of patients.”

Dr Tang said: “RSV, flu, and COVID-19 share many overlapping symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between them." However, there are some key differences to look out for.

The GP highlighted: “COVID-19 may lead to a loss of taste or smell and more frequent breathing difficulties. RSV often causes wheezing and is more likely to affect infants, while the flu tends to hit quickly with sudden fever and body aches. If you’re unsure, testing can confirm which virus is responsible.” He's urging anyone whose symptoms become severe or worsen over time to contact their local GP, especially if you have trouble breathing, persistent high fever, confusion, or chest pain.

He added: “For infants, seek medical attention if they are struggling to breathe, are dehydrated, or if the child becomes unusually lethargic."