The XFG Covid variant, nicknamed “American Covid”, now accounts for more than half of all positive Covid tests in the UK, with hospital admissions rising sharply, according to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Statistics from UKHSA reveal 1,374 Covid cases were logged in August before the number leapt by 230% to 4,589 in September. Hospital admissions linked to Covid also climbed from 950 in August to 4,939 the next month, representing a rise of approximately 420%. The percentage of positive Covid tests in hospitals also grew from 5.9% to 7% in September.
XFG variant dominance
XFG, also called Stratus, is the most prevalent Covid variant in North America, which has resulted in it being nicknamed “American Covid”. The strain has also established dominance in the UK, making up more than half of positive tests.
Cases have climbed steeply over briefer timeframes as well. In the seven days to September 23, infections rose by nearly 30%, jumping from 1,061 to 1,364, reports the Express.
Underreported infections
The actual number of infections might be greater because UKHSA data relies on NHS England reports from tests involving patients who become seriously ill with the virus. This means individuals experiencing milder symptoms of Covid who haven't been hospitalised or formally diagnosed may not appear in the statistics.
Despite the recent surge, cases remain well beneath the levels witnessed during the peak of the pandemic, when over 20,000 people were hospitalised with Covid in January 2021. XFG has been spreading across Europe and North America since the end of 2025.
Variant origins and official response
The World Health Organisation has identified it as a combination of earlier variants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The strain is a descendant of Omicron, which first appeared in 2021.
Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK. 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.”
He added: “UKHSA is monitoring all the data relating to COVID-19 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular surveillance reports.”
Symptoms and guidance
UKHSA reports that some individuals have experienced a hoarse voice or an especially painful sore throat linked to the latest variants. This agonising symptom has been dubbed “razor-blade throat” by the media.
While Covid isn't as serious for most people as it was during the pandemic's early stages, UKHSA warns the virus still causes serious illness, hospital admissions and deaths, especially amongst those with compromised immune systems and people aged 75 and above.
Health officials are encouraging eligible individuals to receive their Covid and flu jabs before the winter period, when respiratory viruses can spread at elevated levels. The NHS recommends that individuals who believe they have Covid should isolate from others for five days, or three days for those under 18. Anyone who tests positive should refrain from interacting with people with compromised immune systems for 10 days following the day they took the test.
The UKHSA has noted that Covid symptoms have evolved over time, with many individuals now exhibiting symptoms akin to a common cold. Per its official guidance, symptoms that individuals may experience include:
- Fever or chills.
- Continuous cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Tiredness.
- Body aches.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Blocked nose.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhoea.
- Change in sense of taste or smell.
- Hoarse voice.
- A particularly painful sore throat.
