'American Covid' strain spreads as UK infections and hospital admissions rise
Covid-19 infections are rising across England as the country heads towards winter, with a variant nicknamed 'American Covid' attracting attention. But health officials say there is currently no evidence that the strain causes more severe illness than other variants.
Why it matters: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported increasing Covid infections and hospital admissions as colder weather approaches, raising fresh concerns for vulnerable residents across Ipswich and Suffolk.
The big picture: The variant, officially known as XFG and also called Stratus, has been dubbed 'American Covid' because it was first identified through genetic sequencing in the United States.
Despite the headlines, it is not a newly arrived virus. UKHSA confirmed on 8 October that XFG has been circulating in Britain and internationally for around a year.
And while Covid activity is increasing, the agency says overall levels remain low, with no evidence that XFG causes more serious disease.
By the numbers: The latest national surveillance figures, covering the week ending 4 October, show:
- Covid test positivity in hospital settings increased from 7.9% to 9.1%.
- Hospital admission rates rose from 1.75 to 2.04 per 100,000 people.
- 1,638 cases were identified through hospital testing, up from 1,328 the previous week.
- Intensive care admissions remained low, at 0.06 per 100,000 people.
The figures point to an autumn increase in infections, although they remain well below the levels experienced during the pandemic.
The symptoms: The signs remain familiar, including a sore throat, persistent cough, fever, tiredness and headaches. Some people may also experience changes to their sense of taste or smell.
There is no reliable evidence that XFG produces a unique set of symptoms that allows it to be distinguished from other Covid variants without testing.
In Suffolk: The national increase is relevant to residents across Ipswich and the wider county, particularly older people and those with weakened immune systems.
However, the national figures do not establish how many people currently have the XFG variant in Suffolk, and no separate local surge has been confirmed by the evidence reviewed.
What's next: The NHS autumn vaccination programme is under way for eligible groups, while health officials continue monitoring emerging variants.
People experiencing respiratory symptoms who have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out their normal activities are advised to stay at home where possible and avoid contact with vulnerable people.
The bottom line: Covid has not disappeared, and infection rates are climbing as winter approaches. But despite its dramatic nickname, 'American Covid' is not currently considered more dangerous than other circulating variants. The advice remains familiar – take sensible precautions, particularly around vulnerable people, and stay up to date with vaccinations if eligible.
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