Covid-19 activity has increased in the UK, with the XFG strain — known as the Stratus or 'American Covid' variant — now the most common current variant. Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published on October 8 show that in the week ending October 4, 2026, the rate of positive Covid tests in hospitals increased from 7.9% to 9.1%. Overall weekly hospital admissions rose to 2.04 per 100,000, up from 1.75 per 100,000 the previous week.
As of October 4, 2026, a total of 1,638 Covid-19 cases were identified in hospital settings, up from 1,328 cases the previous week. Positivity rates were highest among people aged 85 and over, with cases rising from 13.1% in the week to October 4, up from 10.4% in the same age group on the previous Sunday.
What is the XFG strain?
Of all positive Covid-19 samples sequenced between August 31, 2026 and September 13, 2025, 9.1% were classified as XFG. The World Health Organisation identified it as a mix of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 variants, and XFG was designated a 'variant under monitoring' on June 25, 2025.
The XFG strain is the most common current Covid-19 variant, according to the UKHSA. Current Covid vaccines are expected to remain effective to protect against it, and there is no data to indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation.
UKHSA statement on rising cases
The UKHSA said on October 8: "UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that COVID-19 positive test rates rose to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 50% over the same period."
"These increases have been observed consistently across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as across Europe and the United States, indicating this is not a localised trend."
"Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. UKHSA monitors a range of surveillance systems, including GP appointments, A&E attendances and hospitalisations, alongside genomic sequencing, to track how variants are behaving."
"As increases in hospitalisations are rising in line with overall increases in COVID-19 circulation - rather than rising sharply on their own - this suggests a general increase in COVID-19 activity rather than a variant causing more severe disease."
12 symptoms to look for
While Covid is currently circulating at low levels, activity has increased, so it's important to know the symptoms. In most cases these will get better within a few weeks, but for some it can take longer. The NHS says if you have a high temperature and/or you don't feel well enough to go to work or school, you should stay at home and avoid contact with others.
- High temperature: A sudden high temperature is one of the key signs of Covid-19. You may feel hot and your skin may be hot to touch on your chest or back. You might also experience chills, causing you to feel cold or shivery. If you have a high temperature you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with others.
- New, continuous cough: This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three more coughing episodes in 24 hours, and it will usually be very dry.
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste: This is one of the most common indicators of a Covid-19 infection as the virus infects and damages the supporting cells in the nose. These changes don't usually last long, but it can affect your appetite.
- Shortness of breath: This can occur in both mild and more severe Covid-19 infections and can be common as you recover. The NHS recommends doing gentle exercises to help re-establish a good breathing pattern, and manage breathlessness and coughing.
The full list of 12 symptoms continues with additional indicators, as reported by the Daily Express.
