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A novel Covid variant known as XFG, also referred to as “Stratus,” has gained prevalence in the UK as the virus continues to evolve. Specialists are meticulously observing all mutations with the forthcoming winter in mind, a period typically marked by heightened pressure on the NHS due to various viruses. So, what is known about XFG, and should we be concerned?
Recent data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that XFG constitutes the majority of Covid cases, yet the rate of infections has been described as “stable and at low levels.”
According to Professor Azeem Majeed, a specialist in primary care and public health from Imperial College London, “XFG has become predominant in England, making up around 40% of sequenced cases by mid-2025, which has since increased to over 60% in the past weeks. While it may spread more readily than other variants, there is presently no evidence suggesting that XFG is more hazardous.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified XFG as a “variant under monitoring” in July as it began to comprise a growing fraction of global infections.
At the time, it was reported that the threat to public health from this variant was “low,” with no signs suggesting this strain causes more severe illness or deaths compared to others in circulation.
Prof Majeed mentioned, “WHO and UKHSA evaluations rate the public health risk as low, with no observed increase in severity, hospitalisations, or mortality compared to previous variants.”
All viruses change and mutate over time. These mutations can have no effect but can if they can change the virus’s properties in ways that help it spread more easily, cause more serious disease, or evade immunity generated by previous vaccination.
Reports this summer suggested XFG may be linked to a particular symptom — hoarseness and a scratchy or raspy voice. However, Prof Majeed said the symptoms appeared “typical of a Covid-19 infection”.
He added: “Current vaccines are likely to help reduce the risk of severe outcomes such as hospital admission or death.”
Typical Covid symptoms include a high temperature or shivering, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, aches and tiredness.
Hospital admissions for Covid had risen very slightly from 1.90 per 100,000 population to 2.05 per 100,000 in the most recent week for which UKHSA data is available. But this remained a low level compared to peak periods in the past.
Admissions are expected to rise further in winter as people spend more time indoors, where viruses can spread easily.
The NHS Covid vaccine rollout is expected to begin on October 1, with appointments now available to book through the NHS National Booking System.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “The threat from getting seriously ill from flu and Covid-19 is all too real and each year we see hundreds of thousands of people hospitalised due to these nasty viruses – especially across the winter months.
“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving.”
