UK sees rise in 'American Covid' cases as XFG strain spreads

The XFG (Stratus) subvariant, popularly called “American Covid,” was first detected in January 2025 and has since become the leading COVID-19 strain in the United Kingdom, accounting for nearly 50% of sequenced cases. UKHSA figures indicate a modest uptick in overall COVID activity, with hospital admissions surging from 950 in August to 4,939 in September and weekly deaths in England reaching 28. Consultant epidemiologist Alex Allen notes that, despite the rise, case numbers remain low and the virus shows no sign of increased severity or faster spread, and the autumn vaccine has been formulated to protect against it.

Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson lists twelve common symptoms—including fever, persistent cough, loss of taste or smell, and gastrointestinal issues—and advises rest, hydration and over-the-counter remedies for relief. She also differentiates COVID symptoms from those of colds and flu and emphasizes vaccination and basic hygiene as the best preventive measures.