A new rise in COVID-19 activity is being reported in the UK as the XFG variant, popularly referred to as “American Covid” or Stratus, continues to circulate. Recent surveillance data indicates that COVID-19 hospital activity has increased, although health officials say there is currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe illness than other variants in circulation.
UK Hospital Admissions Rise
According to the latest figures cited from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the proportion of COVID-19-positive tests in hospital settings increased from 5.9% to 7%. The weekly COVID-19 hospital admission rate also rose from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 people, representing an increase of roughly 48%.
London has recorded the sharpest regional increase, with its COVID-related hospital admission rate rising by around 79%. Older people appear to be particularly vulnerable. Among people aged over 85, the admission rate increased from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000.
Despite these increases, experts have urged people not to panic. UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Alex Allen said that COVID activity has recently increased but remains at relatively low levels in the UK, with the agency continuing to monitor variants and hospital data.
What Is the XFG Variant?
XFG is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variant formed from two earlier Omicron subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The World Health Organization documented the earliest known XFG sample in January 2025 and classified it as a variant under monitoring later that year.
The nickname “American Covid” has been used in media coverage because of the variant’s earlier circulation and prominence in the United States. More than half of the sequenced positive samples in England are now reported to be XFG, according to the latest data cited in the reports.
XFG Symptoms
Reported symptoms are broadly similar to those associated with recent COVID-19 variants. They can include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Body aches
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some infected individuals may experience mild or no symptoms.
Is XFG More Dangerous?
There is currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe disease than the variants that have been circulating recently. However, COVID-19 can still lead to serious illness, particularly among older adults, immunocompromised people and others at higher risk.
UK authorities are continuing to recommend vaccination for eligible groups as part of the autumn programme. People who develop concerning symptoms, particularly breathing difficulties or worsening illness, should seek medical advice.
The latest increase serves as a reminder that although COVID-19 is no longer at pandemic-era levels, the virus continues to evolve and cause seasonal waves. Monitoring variants, maintaining vaccination where recommended and taking sensible precautions remain important as winter approaches.
