The XFG subvariant of Covid-19, nicknamed “American Covid,” is now the dominant strain in the UK, accounting for almost half of sequenced samples in the latest UKHSA data. A Boots superintendent pharmacist has shared the 12 key symptoms to watch for.
XFG (Stratus) was first identified in January 2025 and gained its nickname after spreading rapidly in the USA last year. Latest UKHSA figures show Covid activity increased but remains at “low levels,” while hospital admissions also rose.
Hospital admissions and deaths rise
England reported 950 Covid hospital admissions in August, increasing to 4,939 in September. The most recent figures also recorded 28 Covid deaths in England in the latest week, up nine on the week before.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “While COVID-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK.”
He stressed: “It’s completely normal for viruses to change over time. The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn’t something new. We’re also not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before, and this year’s autumn vaccine has been specifically designed to protect against them. If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection.”
Twelve symptoms of XFG Covid
Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson said that while new variants such as XFG are starting to circulate, so far there is little evidence to suggest they cause different symptoms to other variants. Symptoms can vary from person to person and can be similar to those of a cold or flu. The common symptoms include:
- High temperature or chills
- New, continuous cough or coughing frequently
- Loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Aching body
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling or being sick
Claire said: “Most people with COVID-19 will feel better within a few weeks and there are steps you can take to help ease symptoms, like drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest. Pharmacy teams can also offer advice on managing cold and flu-like symptoms and may recommend over-the-counter remedies to help you feel more comfortable.”
Distinguishing cold, flu and Covid
Claire explained the differences: “Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Cold symptoms tend to be milder and come on gradually. People usually start to feel better within a week or two. In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Common flu symptoms include a fever, aching muscles and chills. The main symptoms of Covid are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, but people can also get other symptoms which are very similar to colds and flu.”
For cold relief, she advised resting, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a balanced diet, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, using cough medicine, decongestants, and medicated throat lozenges. She added: “Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure you talk to your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team about which treatments will be most suitable for you.”
For flu, she said most cases need no GP visit, and the best recovery is rest at home, keeping warm, and drinking plenty of water. The same medicines used for colds can help relieve flu symptoms.
Managing Covid and prevention advice
For Covid, Claire advised sitting upright or lying on your side for persistent coughing, and for breathlessness, relaxing and taking slow breaths. If breathlessness worsens, she said to go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111, or call your GP surgery. If really struggling to breathe, call 999 or go to A&E. She added: “If you think you may have COVID-19, have a high temperature and don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You can go back to normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.”
To prevent infection, she advised good personal hygiene, regular hand washing, a balanced diet, hydration, sleep, stress management, and exercise. She recommended coughing or sneezing into a tissue, binning it, and washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoid sharing cups, cutlery, and towels, and clean your home regularly. She concluded: “Additionally, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to help keep yourself and others protected from these viruses this winter and I encourage you to get these jabs if you are eligible on the NHS.”
