More than five years after Covid-19 first reached the UK and transformed daily life, reports of an “American Covid” variant first identified and sequenced in the United States have prompted fresh concern. However, experts say there is no reason for alarm. Although the strain has only recently attracted widespread attention, it has been circulating in the UK and elsewhere for about a year. Known as Stratus or XFG, it is currently the most common Covid variant.
How bad is American Covid?
Dr Alex Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said the so-called American strain had generated considerable public interest.
He said: “That has been circulating in some form or another in the UK for over a year now, and it’s only in the last couple of months we’ve actually seen this increased activity.”
Covid variants carry genetic mutations that could, in theory, help them evade immunity gained through previous infection or vaccination.
However, Dr Allen said: “There’s nothing particularly in the evidence or data that suggests that this American strain, or XFG, is more likely to cause severe illness.
“In fact, the current running autumn vaccination programme has vaccines that are specifically targeted against the XFG strain, so we’d be expecting that to have a significant protective effect.”
What’s happening with Covid infections in the UK?
The UKHSA’s first weekly winter respiratory virus surveillance report, published this week, found that Covid activity was rising and above baseline levels, although it remained low overall.
Dr Allen said: “We have seen over the last two months or so an increase in Covid positivity, which is the proportion of tests that come back positive for Covid.
“An increase in Covid around this time of year is not particularly unexpected, there has been a peak here for the last few years and it started from a much lower baseline of activity.
“Even though it has been increasing for the last couple of months, it has still not reached the levels we’ve seen in previous years.”
Are vaccines still needed?
Vaccination remains the strongest protection against severe Covid and hospitalisation, particularly for people considered vulnerable. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.
Protection from Covid vaccines decreases over time, which is why the NHS runs an annual booster programme. Dr Allen said: “If you are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection.”
This autumn, Covid vaccinations are available to people aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and above.
The UKHSA’s Covid-19 Green Book sets out which groups are considered immunosuppressed. They include recipients of organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplants; people living with HIV; those receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy; and people with genetic conditions that affect the immune system.
People eligible for a free Covid vaccine can check their status and arrange an appointment through the NHS App or online, or by contacting their GP practice or a local pharmacy.
What are the symptoms of Covid?
Reports may suggest that particular variants cause unusual symptoms, but the main signs of Covid-19 to watch for remain unchanged.
The NHS identifies the following symptoms of Covid-19:
Are free tests still available?
Most people are no longer able to order free lateral flow Covid tests through the NHS. A limited group of people at the highest risk of serious illness can still access NHS tests, which are available to collect from pharmacies.
Free lateral flow tests may also be available to people working in certain healthcare settings, depending on their role and whether they have symptoms.
Swab tests that produce a result within minutes are available to purchase from most high street pharmacies and some supermarkets.
