XFG Variant Sparks Sharp Rise in Hospitalisations
Hospital admissions for Covid-19 in England have surged by nearly 50 per cent in recent weeks, driven by the rapid spread of the XFG variant, nicknamed the "American Covid" strain. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the rate of positive Covid-19 tests in hospitals climbed from 5.9 per cent to 7.0 per cent in September, while hospital admission rates jumped by almost 50 per cent overall. The London region saw the steepest increase, with admissions rising by 79 per cent.
More than half of all positive tests analysed were identified as the XFG variant, also known as Stratus. The World Health Organization has classified XFG as a recombinant of earlier Omicron sublineages LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. First detected in January, the strain has since spread globally, with rising cases also reported in parts of the United States.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The latest UKHSA data shows that people aged 85 and over are most likely to be hospitalised, with rates reaching 12.43 per 100,000, up from 7.08 the previous week. Despite the increase, health experts emphasise that overall Covid-19 activity remains at low levels in the UK. The UKHSA recorded seven deaths involving Covid-19 in England in the week ending August 28, compared with six the previous week.
Context: Why the Rise Matters
The resurgence of Covid-19 hospitalisations comes as the UK enters autumn, a period when respiratory viruses typically circulate more widely. The Stratus strain has been in circulation for nearly a year, giving health authorities time to update vaccines. This winter’s vaccination campaign is specifically designed to protect against XFG and its variants.
Health experts are urging eligible groups to get vaccinated. The autumn Covid-19 vaccination is available to people aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and immunosuppressed individuals. Vaccination campaigns have continued each autumn since the peak of the pandemic in January 2021, when more than 30,000 people were hospitalised with Covid-19 at one point.
Dr Matthew Siggins, lecturer in immunity and infection biology at the University of Surrey, said the rise is not a "reason for alarm" because many people retain immunity from previous infection and vaccination. "There is no evidence that variants currently circulating in the UK are causing more severe disease," he told The Independent. "However, Covid can still cause serious illness in those at greatest risk."
Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, added: "While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK. UKHSA is monitoring all the data relating to Covid-19 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular surveillance reports."
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of the Stratus strain remain similar to those of previous Omicron variants, including sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue, and hoarseness. While most people will experience mild illness, the virus can still pose a serious risk to older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Perspective: Learning to Live With Covid-19
The current surge in England highlights a broader trend: Covid-19 is now a persistent, seasonal threat that requires ongoing surveillance and periodic vaccination, rather than a crisis demanding emergency measures. The UKHSA continues to monitor variants and publish regular reports, but the response is increasingly focused on protecting vulnerable groups rather than imposing widespread restrictions.
Globally, the World Health Organization tracks cumulative cases and deaths, though many countries have scaled back their reporting. The KFF Global COVID-19 Tracker, which draws on WHO data, notes a two-week lag in reporting and has ceased updating policy actions as government responses have largely wound down.
As the northern hemisphere enters autumn and winter, health officials will be watching whether XFG leads to a sustained increase in severe disease. For now, the message from experts is clear: get vaccinated if eligible, stay home if unwell, and remain cautious around those at higher risk. The emergence of the "American Covid" strain serves as a reminder that the virus continues to evolve, and that vigilance—though not alarm—remains necessary.
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