COVID-19 is marking a new increase in cases in Great Britain, turning its attention to the version XFG, otherwise known as Stratus or, in some media, like “American Covid”.
According to data from the British Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the activity of the virus has increased in recent weeks, while authorities are closely following the situation before the winter season.
The official report released on October 8th shows that the percentage of positive tests for COVID-19 at hospital facilities in England rose from 7.9% to 9.1% within a week.
In the same period, the number of confirmed cases in hospitals increased from 1,328 to 1,638.
However, UKHSA emphasises that the overall activity of COVID-19 remains low.
XFG's not entirely new. It has been identified since 2025 and has spread to several parts of the world.
According to the World Health Organization (OBSH), XFG is a version of the Omitron family and continues to be kept under monitoring.
What are the symptoms?
According to O BSH and British Health Service NHS, symptoms of infection may include throat pain, fever, cough, fatigue, headaches, nose jams, and muscle pain.
The report on XFG was particularly mentioned in the voice drawing or the sensation of scratching on the throat. However, experts explain that this is not an exclusive symptom of the variant and cannot be used to identify it without laboratory tests.
One of the main questions is whether XFG causes more serious illness.
In an explanation published on October 8, UKHSA stated that current data does not indicate that the variants in circulation cause more serious diseases than other variants of COVID-19.
The agency stresses that increased hospital stays appear to be linked to the overall increase in infections and not to evidence of greater risk of XFG.
Experts estimate that the approach of winter, the longest stay in closed environments, and gradual weakening of immunity can affect the spread of the virus.
British authorities advise those with a fever or feel very sick to stay at home when possible and avoid contact with the most vulnerable.
Masks in overcrowded environments, ventilation, and hand hygiene remain beneficial measures to limit spread.
O BSH points out that the vaccine continues to provide significant protection against the serious forms of COVID-19, especially for the elderly and people with health problems.
Those experiencing difficulties in breathing, confusion, or persistent chest pain should seek medical help immediately.
Despite the increase in cases, health authorities have not reported evidence that XFG poses a greater threat than other variants currently circulated.
