As autumn sweeps across the United Kingdom, a familiar sense of unease is returning to households. Sore throats, sniffles, and fevers are making the rounds, but this year, a new twist is adding to the seasonal woes: the rise of two highly infectious Covid-19 variants, Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1). While experts reassure the public that these variants don’t seem to cause more severe illness than their predecessors, their spread has prompted renewed health warnings—and a search for effective remedies.
According to the Mirror, Dr Hilary Jones, a well-known TV doctor, is recommending a simple yet potent remedy for one of the more painful symptoms associated with these new variants: a razor-sharp sore throat. "Current NHS Covid advice is to have a teaspoon of honey for a sore throat that feels like swallowing razor blades. I recommend Manuka honey as this particular honey has a soothing texture and unique measurable antibacterial qualities that can help calm sore throats and support a faster recovery with no side effects whatsoever except a lovely taste in the mouth," Dr Jones explained.
Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree native to New Zealand, contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO). This compound is credited with providing the honey's antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, which can help combat bacteria and infections, as reported by the Mirror. The popularity of Manuka honey has soared in recent years, and with the onset of the new Covid strains, interest in its potential to ease symptoms has only grown.
The Stratus and Nimbus variants are now the most common forms of Covid circulating in the UK, according to government health officials. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of the Hannah London Clinic, told the Mirror that while these variants are not more dangerous than earlier types, they do present with some new symptoms. “You can still get some of the same features as with the common cold, like a cough or runny nose, but we are seeing a lot more hoarseness of voice. It’s not a defining feature—you can experience this with the common cold too—but with Covid, you can get a bit of laryngitis and this hoarse voice,” Dr Khan noted. He added, “You can get a razor sharp sore throat, but also loss of taste. It’s probably less common than the first strains but that can indicate Covid.”
These evolving symptoms can make it hard to distinguish Covid from a regular cold or flu. The full list of symptoms now includes fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, loss of smell, hoarseness, throat pain, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, according to health officials cited by the Mirror. Fatigue and exhaustion also remain common complaints.
With cases of Covid rising—government data shows a 22% increase in the week leading up to September 24, 2025, with 447 cases reported—health professionals are urging the public to remain vigilant. Four deaths were recorded in the seven days to September 19, bringing the total number of Covid deaths to 82, and hospital admissions have also climbed. The number of patients being treated in hospital for Covid reached 1,162 by the end of August, a 15.6% rise from the previous week, as reported by the Mirror.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent of Well Pharmacy, is among those sounding the alarm. “The best way to know if you have Covid is to head to your local Well Pharmacy and pick up a test,” Sandhu advised. “In the winter months, it can be difficult to know whether you have a cold, flu or Covid because they share similar symptoms. If a test confirms you have Covid, you should stay indoors and rest, avoiding contact with other people and wait until you test negative.”
Official NHS guidelines recommend that adults who test positive for Covid should stay home for at least five days to prevent spreading the virus. For those under 18, the advice is to isolate for three days, as children tend to be infectious for a shorter period. Anyone with vulnerable or elderly contacts—especially those with weakened immune systems—is advised to wait ten days before seeing them. Staying hydrated is also emphasized, as Covid can leave sufferers with headaches and blocked or runny noses.
For those seeking relief from the notorious sore throat, Manuka honey is now widely available. Manuka Doctor, a brand Dr Hilary Jones has collaborated with for nearly a decade, offers a range of products starting from £5.25. Their Immunity Bundle, which includes Manuka honey lozenges, Immune Defence Spray, Immune Defence Syrup, and High Strength Vitamin D Capsules, has been reduced to £19.50 from £27.50. The 100 MGO Twin Pack Squeezy Honey is currently £11.70, down from £14.70. Manuka Lozenges, containing zinc and lemon for additional relief, are available in a triple pack for £10, reduced from £10.50. Other retailers, such as Tesco and Holland and Barrett, also stock Manuka honey products with varying MGO levels and price points.
Customer reviews on the Manuka Doctor website are largely positive. One reviewer shared, “I took Manuka honey every day during my episode of Covid. My sore throat improved, as did my recovery.” Another commented, “Just love the strong taste, especially with Greek yoghurt. When I recently had COVID, I was having a tsp every day, very soothing for my throat.” There are some preferences regarding packaging, with some customers favoring jars over squeezy bottles, but the consensus is that the honey is effective and pleasant tasting. As one lozenge fan put it, “Lovely lemon taste with a proper honey centre. Soothes the throat.”
While over-the-counter remedies can provide comfort, experts stress the importance of broader public health measures. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urges those eligible to get vaccinated against Covid, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as winter approaches. People over 75 can receive a free Covid vaccine on the NHS, and the Welsh Government has extended eligibility to care home residents and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and older. The advice is clear: get vaccinated, maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently, use tissues and dispose of them properly, and wear a face covering if you must go out while symptomatic.
Dr Khan also highlights the importance of early testing for vulnerable or immunocompromised individuals. “With Covid, you can get antivirals, but this will only be beneficial if you get tested really early. If you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing can provide information to your GP and they can consider antiviral medication.”
As the UK faces another Covid autumn, the message from health experts is one of cautious optimism. The new variants may be more infectious, but with vigilance, testing, vaccination, and a few comforting remedies like Manuka honey, the public can weather the storm and protect the most vulnerable among us.
