The XFG coronavirus variant, also known as Stratus or 'American Covid', is spreading across the UK as new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows Covid hospital admissions surged by nearly 50 per cent within a single week, with some regions seeing even steeper rises.
The variant was initially identified last year but has now taken hold in numerous countries, with health professionals recognising a distinct symptom pattern.
Key Symptom of the Stratus Variant
Writing for NowPatient, pharmacist Daniel Cheung highlighted a characteristic symptom of XFG. He explained: "The key symptoms and most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant include hoarseness, scratchy/raspy voice, which is considered a unique symptom distinguishing it from other Covid strains."
Further symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, muscle aches and loss of taste and smell, he observed.
What Patients Are Reporting
Speaking to the Mail, GP Dr Renée Hoenderkamp disclosed that Covid patients are currently arriving with sore throats, headaches, runny noses and fatigue. She commented: "In the past 10 days to three weeks in general practice, my lists have definitely changed to people with these symptoms."
One woman who recently contracted Covid described her ordeal, saying: "I was absolutely exhausted, with a temperature, cough and really painful flu-like aches in my legs and joints. There were times in the morning when I'd think: 'I'm fine, get your act together', but by lunchtime I'd have to go back to bed. I slept through a lot of it."
She went on to reveal that her daughter "had a really bad headache, sore throat and cough, a raging temperature and was completely exhausted". Her family doctor revealed they'd encountered three patients presenting similar symptoms that same day.
Official Guidance and Vaccination
The NHS advises that those experiencing Covid symptoms should remain at home and limit contact with others if suffering from a high temperature or feeling too unwell to attend work, school, childcare or carry out everyday activities. Guidelines also state that anyone aged under 18 who tests positive for Covid should isolate at home for three days, while adults are advised to stay at home for five days. Additionally, keeping away from vulnerable individuals for 10 days is strongly recommended.
Dr Saira Bano, GP and founder of SwiftDoctor, said: "A loss or change in your sense of taste or smell is still a recognised Covid symptom, but it isn't the giveaway sign people may remember from earlier in the pandemic. It became much less common with Omicron compared with earlier variants, and an ordinary cold can also reduce your sense of smell, particularly if your nose is badly congested.
"So a change in taste or smell shouldn't automatically be taken to mean you have Covid. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur with Covid and other respiratory viral infections, but they aren't the dominant symptoms you'd normally expect with a straightforward cold. If vomiting and diarrhoea are the main problem, I'd also consider a stomach infection such as norovirus rather than immediately assuming it's flu or Covid."
The majority of eligible adults across England are now able to book their NHS flu and Covid jabs. This autumn's Covid vaccination programme has taken a more focused approach in comparison to previous years. In England, those who are entitled include adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older people, and individuals aged six months and above with weakened immune systems.
