Rachel V Thomas

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‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know

UK hospitals are seeing an increase in COVID-19 activity as the SARS-CoV-2 <span>XFG</span> variant, dubbed “American Covid” or “Stratus,” circulates in the country. 

According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), <span>COVID</span> positivity in hospital settings increased from 5.9% to 7.0%. The weekly hospital admission rate also rose from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000, an increase of about 48%. 

London recorded the highest increase among regions, with its COVID hospital admission rate rising by 79%. 

More than half of the sequenced positive samples were reported to be XFG. Among people aged over 85, hospital admission rates increased from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000. 

However, the true number of infections could be higher because fewer people are testing for COVID-19 than during the pandemic. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/flu-2026-symptoms-to-watch-for-as-new-season-begins-article-156254381" data-type="tilCustomLink">Flu 2026: Symptoms To Watch For As New Season Begins</a>

XFG is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variant formed from <span>Omicron</span> subvariants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO records the earliest documented XFG sample on January 27, 2025, and designated it a variant under monitoring in June 2025. 

The variant has since been detected in multiple countries and remains among the SARS-CoV-2 variants being monitored by WHO. 

COVID symptoms can vary between individuals. Reported symptoms associated with the current circulation of XFG include: 

<ul><li>Cough </li></ul><ul><li>Fever </li></ul><ul><li>Sore throat </li></ul><ul><li>Headache </li></ul><ul><li>Runny nose </li></ul><ul><li>Fatigue</li></ul>

Some people may also experience muscle and joint aches, gastrointestinal symptoms as well as eye or chest infections, while others may have no symptoms. 

London GP Dr Renée Hoenderkamp has highlighted symptoms including sore throat, headache, runny nose, fatigue and flu-like aches, Daily Mail reported. 

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/who-sets-2027-flu-vaccine-strains-states-can-now-order-free-covid-shots-for-kids-article-156226113" data-type="tilCustomLink">WHO Sets 2027 Flu Vaccine Strains; US States Can Now Order Free COVID Shots For Kids</a>

<h2>Does XFG Cause More Severe Disease? </h2>

There is currently no evidence that the variants circulating in the UK are causing more severe disease. 

“There is no evidence that variants currently circulating in the UK are causing more severe disease,” Dr Siggins said. “However, COVID can still cause serious illness in those at greatest risk.” 

The latest available figures cited in reports recorded seven deaths involving COVID in England in the week ending August 28, compared with six the previous week. 

Older adults and people with underlying conditions remain more vulnerable to severe COVID. 

Omicron RF.5 Explained: Is the New COVID Variant More Dangerous? | COVID-19 India

The current increase is not comparable with the waves seen during the height of the COVID pandemic. UKHSA classifies the current hospital admission rate as being at a baseline level. 

“COVID is increasing, but from a low level, which is not unexpected at this time of year,” said Dr Matthew Siggins, lecturer in immunity and infection biology at the University of Surrey, according to reports. 

WHO has assessed the additional public health risk posed by XFG as low at the global level. Current evidence does not indicate that XFG causes more severe illness or deaths than other circulating variants.  

People who develop a high temperature or feel particularly unwell should stay home and avoid contact with others while they recover. 

People eligible for the autumn COVID vaccination are advised to get vaccinated to maintain protection against serious illness. 

Most people have some immunity from previous infection, vaccination or both. However, immunity may decline over time and does not always prevent infection. Protection against severe disease is generally stronger. 

WHO has said currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to continue providing protection against symptomatic and severe disease from XFG.

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UK hospitals are seeing an increase in COVID-19 activity as the SARS-CoV-2 XFG variant, dubbed “American Covid” or “Stratus,” circulates in the country. According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), COVID positivity in hospital settings increased from 5.9% to 7.0%. The weekly hospital admission rate also rose from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000, an increase of about 48%. London recorded the highest increase among regions, with its COVID hospital admission rate rising by 79%. More than half of the sequenced positive samples were reported to be XFG. Among people aged over 85, hospital admission rates increased from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000. However, the true number of infections could be higher because fewer people are testing for COVID-19 than during the pandemic. Also read: Flu 2026: Symptoms To Watch For As New Season BeginsWhat Is the XFG Variant? XFG is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variant formed from Omicron subvariants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO records the earliest documented XFG sample on January 27, 2025, and designated it a variant under monitoring in June 2025. The variant has since been detected in multiple countries and remains among the SARS-CoV-2 variants being monitored by WHO. What Are the Symptoms of XFG? COVID symptoms can vary between individuals. Reported symptoms associated with the current circulation of XFG include: Cough Fever Sore throat Headache Runny nose FatigueSome people may also experience muscle and joint aches, gastrointestinal symptoms as well as eye or chest infections, while others may have no symptoms. London GP Dr Renée Hoenderkamp has highlighted symptoms including sore throat, headache, runny nose, fatigue and flu-like aches, Daily Mail reported. Read More: WHO Sets 2027 Flu Vaccine Strains; US States Can Now Order Free COVID Shots For KidsDoes XFG Cause More Severe Disease? There is currently no evidence that the variants circulating in the UK are causing more severe disease. “There is no evidence that variants currently circulating in the UK are causing more severe disease,” Dr Siggins said. “However, COVID can still cause serious illness in those at greatest risk.” The latest available figures cited in reports recorded seven deaths involving COVID in England in the week ending August 28, compared with six the previous week. Older adults and people with underlying conditions remain more vulnerable to severe COVID. How Worried Should We Be?    The current increase is not comparable with the waves seen during the height of the COVID pandemic. UKHSA classifies the current hospital admission rate as being at a baseline level. “COVID is increasing, but from a low level, which is not unexpected at this time of year,” said Dr Matthew Siggins, lecturer in immunity and infection biology at the University of Surrey, according to reports. WHO has assessed the additional public health risk posed by XFG as low at the global level. Current evidence does not indicate that XFG causes more severe illness or deaths than other circulating variants.  How Can You Protect Yourself? People who develop a high temperature or feel particularly unwell should stay home and avoid contact with others while they recover. People eligible for the autumn COVID vaccination are advised to get vaccinated to maintain protection against serious illness. Most people have some immunity from previous infection, vaccination or both. However, immunity may decline over time and does not always prevent infection. Protection against severe disease is generally stronger. WHO has said currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to continue providing protection against symptomatic and severe disease from XFG.

‘american covid’ strain drives 50% surge in uk hospital admissions: xfg symptoms to know

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‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know

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