The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance on what to do if you have Covid, as the variant sometimes called "American Covid" remains the most common in the UK. Data from the UKHSA shows Covid positive test rates rose to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by around 50% over the same period.
What is 'American Covid'?
The XFG variant – sometimes referred to as "American Covid" or the Stratus variant – is not new and has been circulating in the UK and other countries for around a year. The name reflects where the strain was first sequenced and detected, rather than necessarily where it originated.
Increases in Covid cases have been noted consistently across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as across Europe and the United States.
What the health experts say
Health experts said: "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."
They added: "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. There are likely to be several factors behind the current rise."
Advice for those with symptoms
The UKHSA says that if you have symptoms of Covid and 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. For anyone who "absolutely can't stay at home", the guidance to help reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others includes wearing a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask, avoiding crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated, and taking any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people.
You should also cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food, and avoid touching your face.
Vaccines remain the best defence
The health experts further say that vaccines remain the best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and Covid-19. The NHS will contact you if you are eligible for a Covid vaccination. Current eligibility includes people aged 75 and over, those with weakened immune systems, and those living in care homes for the elderly. The UKHSA adds: "Anyone who falls into these groups is strongly encouraged to take up the vaccine, as it provides protection against severe illness."
