The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued advice for anyone with Covid-19 symptoms following a significant rise in cases in Wales during September, driven by the spread of the XFG strain, often referred to as 'American Covid'.
According to Public Health Wales (PHW), XFG and its descendant variants have been responsible for 37% of Covid cases in Wales this year. UKHSA data shows that positive test rates rose to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 50% over the same period.
Hospital admissions rise in Wales
The latest data in Wales shows that the number of confirmed cases of community-acquired Covid-19 admitted to hospital increased to 27 during the week ending October 4. There were also 153 in-patient cases of confirmed Covid-19, one of whom was in critical care.
UKHSA said: "There are likely to be several factors behind the current rise. As we move into winter, colder and wetter weather means people spend more time indoors, which enables the spread of respiratory viruses."
"It has also been roughly a year since the last significant COVID-19 wave, so immunity from vaccination and previous infection may be waning in parts of the population, making people more susceptible."
Symptoms and what to do
The symptoms of Covid-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
UKHSA has advised that if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as Covid-19 and have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should "avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible".
For people who cannot stay at home, the guidance remains unchanged and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others: wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask; avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated; take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; and avoid touching your face.
