Covid-19 cases are rising across the UK. (Image: Getty)
The XFG Covid-19 variant, sometimes referred to as American Covid, is spreading across the UK, prompting the government to identify eight groups considered “particularly vulnerable” to the virus. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show that recorded infections climbed from 1,374 in August to 4,589 in September—a 230% increase. Hospital admissions involving Covid-19 patients also rose sharply, from 950 to 4,939 over the same period.
XFG is a branch of the Omicron family. Typical symptoms include a fever or chills, a persistent cough, breathlessness, body aches, headaches and a blocked nose. More severe symptoms can include a painful sore throat, a hoarse or croaky voice, nausea and diarrhoea.
The UKHSA has confirmed that this autumn’s Covid-19 vaccine has been formulated to target the variant. However, certain people—including those with conditions that affect the immune system—remain at greater risk of serious illness.
The UKHSA said: “The NHS provides treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. You may be eligible for a COVID-19 treatment assessment if you are aged 12 or over, have symptoms and have tested positive for COVID-19, and have certain health conditions.”
“These include conditions affecting the immune system, certain cancers or cancer treatments, kidney or liver disease, organ transplants, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, and conditions affecting the brain, nervous system or lungs. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist, who can advise you.”
People with Covid symptoms have been urged to stay at home. (Image: Getty)
The UKHSA added: “Vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19. The NHS will contact you if you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.”
“Current eligibility includes people aged 75 and over, those with weakened immune systems, and those living in care homes for the elderly. Anyone who falls into these groups is strongly encouraged to take up the vaccine, as it provides protection against severe illness.”
The NHS and UKHSA have advised anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms to stay at home. This guidance does not represent a lockdown like those introduced during the pandemic.
Despite the variant’s rapid spread, the UKHSA stressed that there is currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe illness than earlier strains.
The agency said: “XFG—sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus variant—remains the most common current COVID-19 variant. XFG has also been referred to as ‘American Covid’ in some media coverage, though it is not new and has been circulating in the UK and other countries for around a year. The name reflects where the strain was first sequenced and detected, rather than necessarily where it originated.”
People with certain health conditions face a higher risk from the variant. (Image: Getty)
Full list of groups vulnerable to American Covid
According to the UKHSA, people with the following health conditions are considered “particularly vulnerable” to Covid-19.
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Organ transplant
- Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
- Brain conditions
- Lung conditions
- Nervous system conditions
