Dr Ranj Singh has appeared on BBC Morning Live to update viewers on the so-called 'American Covid' variant, the XFG strain, which is spreading across the UK and contributing to a seasonal rise in hospitalisations. He highlighted specific symptoms to watch for and advised on prevention measures, including mask-wearing in high-risk situations.
Rising Cases and Hospitalisations
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) monthly figures show that in October, a total of 8,518 people contracted Covid, a 40 per cent increase on September, which saw 5,201 cases overall. In the seven days up to 27 October, 1,847 Covid-19 cases were identified in hospital settings, decreasing from 2,151 cases in the previous week.
Although weekly cases have declined, the number of deaths recorded in the week to October 16 increased by 25 per cent to 69, up from 55 the previous week. UKHSA data also shows that Covid-19 positive test rates rose to around 7 per cent in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 50 per cent over the same period.
Dr Singh's Warning on Symptoms
Appearing on BBC Morning Live this week, Dr Ranj Singh said: "Many people will have heard of so-called American COVID. It's being used to describe the XFG variant, which is a Omicron descendant. No evidence at the moment that it's any more serious than other Omicron descendants. COVID, it's it's the SARS KV2 virus. Respiratory spread again much like other viruses."
He noted that infections were 'mild to moderate' for most people but warned that it could be severe in particular groups, especially the vulnerable. Dr Singh reminded people of three key symptoms which could indicate Covid rather than other seasonal illnesses: "Remember for this um the loss of smell and taste. And also the gastrointestinal symptoms are quite predominant in COVID."
Prevention and Advice
For preventing 'American Covid', Dr Singh said people should consider masks: "Prevention again we'll talk about ventilation really important, hygiene is really important. Masks in high-risk situations, especially if you're around very very vulnerable people and again COVID vaccination is being offered to certain high-risk groups."
UKHSA said: "XFG - sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus variant - remains the most common current COVID-19 variant. XFG has also been referred to as 'American Covid' in some media coverage. The name reflects where the strain was first sequenced and detected, rather than necessarily where it originated."
UKHSA added that 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'. It stated: "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."
Reasons for the Rise
Explaining the increase, 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."
For those with symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a high temperature or feeling too unwell for normal activities, UKHSA advises avoiding contact with vulnerable people and staying at home if possible. For those who cannot stay at home, the guidance remains unchanged: wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask, avoid crowded places such as public transport or large social gatherings, take exercise outdoors away from close contact with others, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
