Rachel V Thomas

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XFG COVID Variant: What India Should Watch As Cases Rise In UK And France

The XFG COVID-19 variant is driving a rise in cases and hospitalizations in the UK and France, while some US regions are also reporting increases.

XFG, nicknamed ‘American COVID’ or Stratus, is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variant from the Omicron lineage, formed from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO recorded the earliest documented XFG sample on January 27, 2025, and designated it a variant under monitoring in June 2025.

The NHS has advised infected people to stay home to limit spread. The UK is rolling out COVID vaccination, while France is expected to begin its campaign next week.

COVID and flu symptoms can overlap, including cough, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose and fatigue.

<h2>COVID Activity Rises in UK, France</h2>

In France, the estimated number of people with COVID consulting GPs for acute respiratory infections rose to 13 per 100,000, from nine the previous week, according to The Connexion. This translates to around 8,806 new cases, up from about 6,000.

In England, hospital PCR positivity rose from 5.9% to 7.0% in the week to September 20, while hospital admissions increased from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000. Overall activity remained low. 

US CDC data from September 29 showed cases rising in some states while falling or remaining stable in others.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/american-covid-strain-drives-50-surge-in-uk-hospital-admissions-xfg-symptoms-to-know-article-156265025" data-type="tilCustomLink">‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know</a>

HealthandMe spoke to experts who said the UK-France rise does not necessarily mean India will see a similar increase.

“The rise in COVID-19 cases in the UK and France does not necessarily mean that India is headed towards a similar increase,” said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.

XFG is being monitored because it has become more common in some countries, but available evidence does not indicate that it causes more severe illness than other circulating variants.

“For India, the more relevant question is whether XFG is increasing locally and whether this is translating into a rise in symptoms or hospitalizations,” Dr Suranjit told HealthandMe .

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

Dr Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant - Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said the spread of XFG highlights the need for continued surveillance as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.

“Yet at present there is no evidence to indicate that the XFG variant causes more severe disease than the other Omicron-lineage variants,” he said.

However, the “main concern for India would be a greater rate of transmission, especially among older people, those with comorbidities and the immunocompromised, should the variant become more common in the country”.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/covid-19-cases-rise-in-france-vaccination-campaign-set-to-start-next-week-article-156295446" data-type="tilCustomLink">COVID-19 Cases Rise In France, Vaccination Campaign Set To Start Next Week</a>

Dr Amit told HealthandMe India should continue genomic surveillance and monitor hospitalizations and severe disease rather than focusing only on case numbers.

Dr Suranjit said international travel can introduce new variants, but their impact depends on community spread and existing immunity.

“At this stage, there is no reason for people (in India) to be unduly concerned or change their daily routine.”

He added that continued surveillance, timely testing when symptoms occur and sensible precautions during respiratory infections remain appropriate.

XFG-specific vaccines have been developed and are either in use or authorized in several countries. The US and UK have opted for XFG-targeted formulations for the 2026–27 season.

In India, an XFG-specific vaccine should be considered available only after regulatory approval and commercial supply.

The WHO continues to stress that vaccination should not be postponed while waiting for an updated formulation.

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The XFG COVID-19 variant is driving a rise in cases and hospitalizations in the UK and France, while some US regions are also reporting increases.XFG, nicknamed ‘American COVID’ or Stratus, is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variant from the Omicron lineage, formed from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO recorded the earliest documented XFG sample on January 27, 2025, and designated it a variant under monitoring in June 2025.The NHS has advised infected people to stay home to limit spread. The UK is rolling out COVID vaccination, while France is expected to begin its campaign next week.COVID and flu symptoms can overlap, including cough, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose and fatigue.COVID Activity Rises in UK, FranceIn France, the estimated number of people with COVID consulting GPs for acute respiratory infections rose to 13 per 100,000, from nine the previous week, according to The Connexion. This translates to around 8,806 new cases, up from about 6,000.In England, hospital PCR positivity rose from 5.9% to 7.0% in the week to September 20, while hospital admissions increased from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000. Overall activity remained low. US CDC data from September 29 showed cases rising in some states while falling or remaining stable in others.Also read: ‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to KnowIs India At Risk?HealthandMe spoke to experts who said the UK-France rise does not necessarily mean India will see a similar increase.“The rise in COVID-19 cases in the UK and France does not necessarily mean that India is headed towards a similar increase,” said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.XFG is being monitored because it has become more common in some countries, but available evidence does not indicate that it causes more severe illness than other circulating variants.“For India, the more relevant question is whether XFG is increasing locally and whether this is translating into a rise in symptoms or hospitalizations,” Dr Suranjit told HealthandMe .Does XFG Cause More Severe Disease?Dr Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant - Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said the spread of XFG highlights the need for continued surveillance as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.“Yet at present there is no evidence to indicate that the XFG variant causes more severe disease than the other Omicron-lineage variants,” he said.However, the “main concern for India would be a greater rate of transmission, especially among older people, those with comorbidities and the immunocompromised, should the variant become more common in the country”.What Should India Watch?Read More: COVID-19 Cases Rise In France, Vaccination Campaign Set To Start Next WeekDr Amit told HealthandMe India should continue genomic surveillance and monitor hospitalizations and severe disease rather than focusing only on case numbers.Dr Suranjit said international travel can introduce new variants, but their impact depends on community spread and existing immunity.“At this stage, there is no reason for people (in India) to be unduly concerned or change their daily routine.”He added that continued surveillance, timely testing when symptoms occur and sensible precautions during respiratory infections remain appropriate.Are XFG Vaccines Available?XFG-specific vaccines have been developed and are either in use or authorized in several countries. The US and UK have opted for XFG-targeted formulations for the 2026–27 season.In India, an XFG-specific vaccine should be considered available only after regulatory approval and commercial supply.The WHO continues to stress that vaccination should not be postponed while waiting for an updated formulation.

xfg covid variant: what india should watch as cases rise in uk and france

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