Health experts have issued a warning amid the threat of a “tripledemic”, which occurs when three different viruses spread simultaneously. Here’s what you need to know about the new Covid variant
Amy Jones Lifestyle & Features Writer and Katy Hallam
14:26, 26 Sep 2025
Health care professionals have shared a warning about symptoms of a rare cancer(Image: Getty Images)
As the seasons shift, numerous individuals are beginning to encounter cold or flu-like symptoms.
Yet there are four indicators suggesting you could be battling the latest Covid variant rather than typical seasonal ailments.
Medical professionals have raised concerns regarding the possibility of a “tripledemic,” where three distinct viruses circulate concurrently.
Read more Dr Amir Khan shares ‘red flag’ cough symptom that means you need to see GP urgently
They are urging the public to receive vaccinations as infection rates start climbing during the transition into cooler weather.
Across the UK, there has been a notable increase in confirmed Coronavirus infections, with statistics showing that within just one week, rates have jumped from 7.6 per cent to 8.4 per cent.
The latest Covid strain, dubbed Stratus, has been circulating swiftly and encompasses two variants: XFG and XFG. 3.
The XFG. 3 variant accounted for approximately 40 per cent of Covid infections across the UK by June, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals, reports the Mirror.
Generally, Covid symptoms mirror those of typical respiratory conditions like influenza, encompassing fever, coughing, sneezing or nasal discharge.
Symptoms can vary from mild to serious, depending on the person, making it simple to mistake Covid for an ordinary cold.
Nevertheless, the most frequent early indicator of the fresh Stratus strain is a croaky or scratchy voice.
This symptom could suggest you have contracted Covid instead of flu or a cold.
Healthcare specialists have also identified further Stratus manifestations, encompassing congested noses, painful throats, stomach problems and fatigue.
Dr Nye informed The Mirror: “In most ways, it’s almost identical. However, people with this version tend to get very sore throats and a hoarse voice, compared with the other more general symptoms like cough, temperature and aches.”
It’s reported that flu cases have risen from 1.1 per cent to 1.3 per cent, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds, is also expected to increase.
RSV symptoms can be minor, but it can lead to a more serious infection, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, according to the NHS.
The four key symptoms to watch out for that could indicate Covid, the flu or RSV are:
- having a high temperature
- a cough
- feeling tired
- aching muscles and joints
As the three viruses spread, health experts are urging people to get vaccinated.
“While this is to be expected at this time of year, now is the time for people to come forward for their winter vaccines if they’re eligible, before we start to see more of these viruses in circulation in the winter months,” Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, from the UKHSA, told The Sun.
Dr Jamie further stated: “Vaccination offers the best protection against flu, Covid-19 and RSV which is why it’s vital that eligible groups get vaccinated.”
If you’re unsure whether you’ve got the flu, a cold or the new Covid, here are the symptoms to look out for. Please bear in mind that symptoms vary from person to person.
Covid symptoms
These are the recognised symptoms of Covid that people are advised to look out for, as outlined by the NHS.
- a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
Flu symptoms
The NHS highlights that these symptoms can appear “very quickly” and may include:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
RSV infection symptoms
According to the NHS, most individuals experience cold-like symptoms with an RSV infection, which usually begin within a few days of becoming infected. The NHS outlines the potential symptoms as follows:
- a runny or blocked nose
- a cough
- sneezing
- tiredness
- a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)