As the XFG Covid variant spreads across the UK, a Boots pharmacist has shared the 12 key symptoms to watch for. The XFG (Stratus) subvariant, first detected in January 2025, has been nicknamed "American Covid" due to its rapid spread across the USA last year.
Recent UKHSA data shows that Covid activity has increased but remains at low levels, with hospital admissions also rising. In England, there were 950 Covid hospital admissions in August, climbing to 4,939 in September. The latest figures also recorded 28 Covid fatalities in England in the most recent week, an increase of nine compared to the previous week. XFG and its sub-lineages now represent nearly half of sequenced samples in the latest UKHSA data.
UKHSA comments on XFG variant
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK. It's completely normal for viruses to change over time. The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn't something new."
He added: "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. If you are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don't risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection."
12 symptoms of Covid including XFG
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that affects the lungs and airways, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through coughs, sneezes and close contact with infected individuals, or by touching contaminated surfaces and subsequently touching your eyes, nose or mouth, reports the Mirror.
Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson noted that while new variants, such as XFG, are beginning to emerge this year, there is currently little to suggest they produce symptoms any different to those of previous variants. She has now shared the 12 key symptoms of Covid - along with how to tell the difference between Covid, cold or flu.
Symptoms can differ from person to person and may closely resemble those of a common cold or flu. Some of the most frequently reported symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- High temperature or chills
- New, continuous cough or coughing frequently
- Loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Aching body
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling or being sick
Claire said: "Most people with Covid-19 will feel better within a few weeks and there are steps you can take to help ease symptoms, like drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest. Pharmacy teams can also offer advice on managing cold and flu-like symptoms and may recommend over-the-counter remedies to help you feel more comfortable."
Covid-19 vaccinations are available for those eligible free of charge through the NHS. They can also be obtained privately for those wishing to maintain protection, including via Boots.
How to tell if it's cold, flu or Covid
Claire explained: "Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Cold symptoms tend to be milder and come on gradually. People usually start to feel better within a week or two."
She added: "In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Common flu symptoms include a fever, aching muscles and chills. The main symptoms of Covid are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, but people can also get other symptoms which are very similar to colds and flu."
Claire advised: "Whilst there's no cure for a cold, there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms." She says these include resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables; taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever; taking cough medicine may help, but it's important to select a product that's suitable for your symptoms; using decongestant sprays or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose; and sucking medicated throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat.
She added: "Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure you talk to your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team about which treatments will be most suitable for you."
On flu, the pharmacist said: "In most flu cases, there should be no need to visit your GP. As with a cold, the best way to recover is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water. The same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of a cold are also considered to help relieve the symptoms of flu. Ask your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team for advice about medicines that may be suitable for you."
Claire said: "Most people with Covid-19 will feel better within a few weeks and the same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of a cold are also considered to help relieve the symptoms of Covid-19." However, she highlighted a number of steps that can be taken to ease Covid-19 symptoms in particular: "If you think you may have Covid-19, have a high temperature and don't feel well enough to do your normal activities, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You can go back to normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature."
Prevention advice for winter
The expert advised: "There's no way to completely avoid the risk of catching a cold, flu or Covid-19. However, my top advice would be to practice good personal hygiene and regularly wash your hands, eat a balanced diet, keep hydrated, get plenty of sleep, manage your everyday stress levels and exercise regularly."
She continued: "When you're unwell, cough or sneeze into a tissue, bin it and wash your hands straight away with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have a tissue to hand, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Avoid sharing cups, cutlery and towels with others to help reduce the risk of spreading infection. Germs can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, so cleaning your home regularly can help stop the spread. If you're on the move, alcohol hand gels can be useful, but it's important to wash your hands frequently when you can."
She concluded: "Additionally, flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are the best way to help keep yourself and others protected from these viruses this winter and I encourage you to get these jabs if you are eligible on the NHS."
