The XFG strain, known as Stratus, is rapidly spreading, causing hospital admissions to spike and prompting renewed public health measures.
Category: Health
As the autumn season sets in, the UK is witnessing a notable surge in Covid-19 cases attributed to the XFG variant, commonly referred to as "American Covid." This strain, which has rapidly spread from North America, now accounts for more than half of positive Covid tests across the UK, raising alarm among health officials and the public alike.
According to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the rate of positive Covid tests in hospitals has increased from 5.9% to 7.0% in just a few weeks. Hospital admissions related to Covid have risen by nearly 50%, with London experiencing the steepest increase at 79%. These statistics highlight the growing impact of the XFG variant, which was first designated in January 2025 and is a combination of two earlier variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2.
The symptoms associated with the XFG strain are similar to those seen in previous variants but include some distinct characteristics. The UKHSA reports that common symptoms of this variant include:
Experts have noted that the sore throat, often described as scratchy or raspy, is a key distinguishing feature of the XFG strain. Dr. Alex Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, explained that this strain is closely related to previous variants, indicating it is not entirely new. He stated, "The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn’t something new." This reassurance comes as many Britons are reporting flu-like symptoms, with some stating they feel unwell for weeks after contracting the virus.
Health officials stress that, even with the surge in cases, there is no evidence that the XFG strain is causing more severe illness compared to previous variants. Dr. Matthew Siggins, a lecturer in immunity and infection biology, noted that the increase in infections is not unexpected for this time of year and does not indicate a higher severity of disease. He emphasized that many individuals retain immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, which helps mitigate the impact of the virus.
In the most recent week, there were 1,364 recorded Covid cases across the UK, marking a 28.6% increase from the previous week. The number of hospitalizations also rose, with 187 reported in the last week of September, alongside one recorded death. This data highlights the strain on the healthcare system, particularly as the NHS faces challenges from other seasonal illnesses.
If you test positive for Covid-19, the NHS advises you to stay home and avoid contact with others for at least five days if you are over 18, and three days if you are under 18. It is also recommended to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals for ten days following the onset of symptoms. The NHS guidelines remain clear: if you feel unwell, it’s best to rest and recover at home.
Pharmacist Daniel Cheung highlighted that washing hands frequently and sanitizing surfaces remain effective ways to prevent the spread of Covid. He also pointed out that vaccination continues to be a key strategy in combating the virus, with the autumn vaccination program targeting those most at risk, including individuals aged 75 and older and care home residents.
In light of the rising cases, public health officials urge continued vigilance. The UKHSA is actively monitoring the situation and regularly updating its findings. Dr. Allen reassured the public, stating, "We’re also not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before, and this year’s autumn vaccine has been specially formulated to protect against them." This proactive approach aims to manage the situation effectively without resorting to more drastic measures like lockdowns.
As the colder months approach, experts anticipate an increase in respiratory illnesses, making it all the more important for individuals to remain cautious and adhere to health guidelines.
Reports from general practitioners indicate that patients are presenting with a range of symptoms that are somewhat flu-like in nature. GP Dr. Renée Hoenderkamp noted that patients frequently complain of sore throats, headaches, runny noses, and fatigue. She described these symptoms as a shift in what practitioners are seeing in their practices, stating that “it’s very flu-like, actually, which is probably the fairest way to describe it.”
In addition to the common symptoms, some individuals have reported unique experiences, such as persistent headaches and muscle cramping. These variations in symptoms could lead to confusion, as they overlap with other respiratory infections. Dr. Saira Bano, another GP, emphasized that changes in taste or smell, once considered hallmark symptoms of Covid, are now less common with the Omicron variant.
As the situation evolves, health officials continue to encourage vaccination and adherence to public health recommendations. The NHS remains committed to providing timely updates and resources to help the public navigate these challenging times. The bottom line is that staying informed and cautious can help mitigate the spread of the XFG strain and protect both individual and public health.