A pharmacist is urging people to keep a six-item kit at home this autumn and winter as reports of 'American Covid' continue to dominate UK health headlines. American Covid is a media nickname for the XFG (or Stratus) variant, a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2.
It earned its nickname simply because it was first sequenced and detected in North America, where it became the dominant strain. The latest health data shows a sharp surge in infections and hospitalisations, raising concerns about winter pressures on the NHS.
Sharp surge in cases and hospital admissions
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the XFG strain now accounts for more than half of all sequenced positive cases in England. UKHSA monthly data revealed that recorded Covid cases jumped 230% (from 1,374 in August to 4,589 in September). Hospital admissions for patients with Covid rose by over 420%, climbing from 950 to nearly 4,939 in a month.
It is important to note, however, that the UKHSA said there is no data or evidence suggesting the XFG strain causes more severe illness than previous variants. The variant is not a sudden mutation; it has actually been circulating globally and within the UK in some form for over a year.
What the six-item kit contains
The current winter booster jabs are specifically tailored to target the XFG strain and its sub-variants. The NHS continues to urge eligible groups, such as those over 75, care home residents, and the immunosuppressed, to book their autumn/winter vaccinations.
Hanna Yusuf, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, said: "Recent figures from the UKHSA show an increase in COVID-19 activity and hospitalisations, with XFG among the variants currently circulating, often referred to as 'American Covid' or the 'Stratus variant'. Symptoms remain broadly similar to those seen with other COVID-19 variants, including fatigue, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, a runny or blocked nose and sore throat."
A hoarse or croaky voice has also been reported, although this is not unique to XFG. Given the time of year and that these symptoms are very similar to a cold or seasonal virus, patients may not realise that they have covid. With that in mind, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure that you are protected this winter.
The pharmacist recommends stocking up on a 'sick day kit' to keep at home over the coming months. Cold and flu activity typically peaks between December and February.
She said: "Keep throat spray, lozenges, saline rinses, a reliable thermometer, pain relief, and a few COVID test kits ready at home. This saves panic trips to the pharmacy when you feel unwell".
Keeping a stocked home medical kit allows you to manage symptoms immediately, monitor your illness accurately, and prevent the spread of contagious viruses without leaving the house when you feel unwell. It also allows you to begin managing symptoms the moment they start and keeps you from exposing vulnerable people in public spaces to your illness.
Safety tips as cases rise
Hanna's top tips for staying safe this winter, as Covid cases include staying up to date with vaccines, acting quickly if you are high risk, and not ignoring changes in your throat. She also urges people to use a thermometer and a timeline, as well as asking a pharmacist, "not just the internet".
She said: "If you're eligible for COVID boosters or the flu jab, book it early. Usually, protection takes about two weeks to build."
She also urges people to stay aware of sore throat symptoms, such as pain, scratchiness, or irritation that often feels worse when you swallow. Treat that as a cue to rest and test, rather than just powering through.
"Flu symptoms usually hit hard within 24 hours, whereas COVID can build over several days, although it isn't always possible to tell which infection you have based on symptoms alone. Tracking how your symptoms develop can help you work out which you might have, and when you're most infectious," she added.
If you have a long-term condition, are pregnant, or over 65, don't wait until day five to seek help. Early antiviral treatment can make a difference but works best if started promptly.
She added: "While there is a lot of helpful information online, pharmacists can advise on symptom management, check medication suitability, and help you access vaccines or treatment quickly, often without needing a GP appointment."
