Archive · 2 Oct 2026
'American Covid' Variant Drives Autumn Surge in UK
Covid cases are increasing in the United Kingdom as autumn begins.
More people with Covid are being admitted to hospitals, especially in London.
The rise is linked to a variant called XFG, which is also known as Stratus.
It was first reported spreading in January 2025 and became common in the United States.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, a runny nose, headaches, tiredness and stomach problems.
Doctors say the variant is not causing special concern by itself.
They are watching to see whether Covid combines with flu and other seasonal illnesses.
People with a high fever are advised to stay home, while masks may help when someone has a cough.
UKHSA data show Covid-linked hospital admissions in Britain rose by almost 50 percent.
London recorded an almost 80 percent increase in Covid-linked hospital admissions in one week.
The rise is linked to the XFG variant, also known as Stratus or 'American Covid.'
Hospital positive-test rates increased from 5.9 percent to 7 percent, while seven Covid-involved deaths were registered in England in the week ending August 28.
Doctors are more concerned about Covid combining with seasonal flu and other winter illnesses than about the variant itself.
- Who
- People in the United Kingdom, UK Health Security Agency officials and doctors are involved in the reports and advice.
- What
- Covid cases, hospital admissions and hospital positive-test rates are rising, with the increase linked to the XFG variant.
- When
- The increase is occurring in autumn; the cited death figures cover the week ending August 28 and the preceding week.
- Where
- Across the United Kingdom, with a particularly sharp increase reported in London; the death figures are from England.
- Why
- The rise is linked to the spread of the XFG variant, while doctors are also concerned that seasonal flu and other winter illnesses could add pressure to health services.
- Variant
- XFG, also known as Stratus and nicknamed 'American Covid'
- Hospital admissions
- Covid-linked admissions in Britain rose by almost 50 percent
- London increase
- Covid-linked hospital admissions rose by almost 80 percent in seven days
- Positive tests
- Hospital Covid positive-test rates rose from 5.9 percent to 7 percent
- Deaths
- Seven Covid-involved deaths were registered in England in the week ending August 28, compared with six the previous week
- Reported symptoms
- Fever, cough, runny nose, headaches, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues
- Medical advice
- People with a high fever should avoid going out; masks are advisable for people with a cough