Health officials have issued an urgent warning as cases of the XFG variant, nicknamed 'American Covid' after becoming the dominant strain in the United States, continue to surge across the UK. The variant has been circulating in the country for around a year, but recent figures show a sharp uptick in infections.
Covid-19 positive test rates climbed to roughly seven per cent in September, while hospital admissions rose by approximately 50 per cent during the same timeframe. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals cases increased by 13.5 per cent week on week to October 7, and deaths soared by 46.4 per cent week on week to October 2, reaching 41 weekly fatalities. Hospital admissions also leapt 33.5 per cent as cold, damp weather forces people indoors.
Key symptoms to watch for
With infections climbing once again, people may be tempted to self-diagnose based on how they're feeling, but medical experts caution that symptoms often overlap. Dr Neel Patel, Associate Medical Director at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, suggests that the duration and progression of an illness could offer some clues, though these elements alone cannot conclusively determine which infection you're battling.
He said: "People with flu normally feel very unwell for two or three days and will continue to experience symptoms for around another five days. After that, you may feel tired and run down for a further two or three weeks. However, people with coronavirus usually begin to show symptoms five to six days after being exposed, and symptoms commonly last up to two weeks."
Dr Patel also cautioned that the two conditions can be challenging to tell apart. He said: "It can be difficult to tell coronavirus apart from the flu as they share many of the same symptoms; however, they may feel more intense than having the flu."
Testing and official advice
He explained that the only reliable way of confirming Covid-19 is to undergo a test, rather than depending purely on how long symptoms persist. Dr Patel added: "While Covid-19 tests are no longer freely available on the NHS, you can still buy lateral flow, PCR and antibody tests online."
If you feel too poorly to perform everyday tasks, official guidance advises remaining at home. For those unable to do so, the UKHSA recommends wearing a "well-fitting face mask" with multiple layers or a surgical face mask, steering clear of busy areas, exercising outdoors, and washing hands frequently.
When to seek urgent care
Dr Patel warns that urgent medical care is needed if you experience difficulty breathing while at rest, confusion, loss of consciousness or unusual drowsiness, persistent chest pain or pressure, cold or blue-tinged skin, or a sudden loss of speech or movement. The NHS advises calling 999 for severe breathing difficulties, sudden chest pain, collapse or any other potentially life-threatening symptoms.
According to the NHS, the potential symptoms of American Covid that you should be on the lookout for include: a high temperature — you may feel hot, cold or shivery, or your skin might be hot to touch on your chest or back; a new continuous cough; a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste; shortness of breath; feeling tired or exhausted; an aching body; a headache; a sore throat; and a blocked or runny nose.
