Brits are being urged to watch for specific symptoms as cases of the so-called 'American Covid' XFG Stratus strain continue to rise in the UK. The strain, first identified last January and detected in the US, is spreading amid a broader uptick in Covid infections.
Rising Cases and Hospital Admissions
According to UKHSA data, Covid cases increased by 13.5% week on week to October 7, with Covid deaths up 46.4% week on week and hospital admissions up 33.5%. A significant portion of these are attributed to the American Covid strain.
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also showed that reported cases rose from 1,374 in August to 4,589 in September, marking a 230% increase. Hospital admissions involving Covid climbed from 950 in August to 4,939 in September, according to the figures provided.
Symptoms of the XFG Strain
This Covid strain usually causes a mild illness similar to a bad cold, but other symptoms, such as a painful sore throat and respiratory issues, were also reported. Other symptoms can be eye-related, such as tearing, but also include cough, a blocked or runny nose, fatigue, fever, aches, headache, back pain, and changes in taste or smell.
According to the American health firm ADA, COVID can cause back pain due to myalgia, which is a common complication of viral infections. ADA says: "Back pain is a symptom that is often reported by those who have fallen ill due to the coronavirus. The primary source of this back pain stems from myalgia, which is characterised by muscle aches and pain. Myalgia is a common symptom of viral infections such as COVID-19 and may affect a certain area of the body, such as the back, or may spread more widely."
"One of the causes for this myalgia may be the reaction of the immune system, which releases pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which can cause the onset of body aches such as back pain."
UKHSA Advice
The advice issued by the UKHSA for people experiencing symptoms of respiratory infections, including Covid-19, stated: "If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as Covid-19, and you 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."
In January 2021, more than 20,000 people were in hospital with Covid in the UK.
