As a new ‘American Covid’ variant fuels a surge in UK hospital admissions, here is what you need to know about the symptoms, NHS impact and pandemic risk
A new Covid strain dubbed “American Covid” is causing UK cases to rise sharply, putting extra pressure on an already-struggling NHS. The latest figures from health chiefs show Covid-related hospital admissions have spiked by 400 per cent, with almost 5,000 patients now in hospital beds.
The surge is partly being driven by the XFG variant – nicknamed “Stratus” – which was first picked up in the US and now accounts for more than half of all positive hospital tests across the country.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) experts revealed Covid case numbers skyrocketed by 230 per cent in just four weeks, jumping from 1,374 to 4,589 as winter illnesses begin to bite.
While scientists say the virus is generally less severe than during peak lockdown years, it continues to cause severe illness and deaths, especially among pensioners over 75 and those with weak immune systems.
Here is everything you need to know about “Stratus”, including the hallmark symptoms to look out for and the experts’ verdict on whether another pandemic could be on the horizon.
What is ‘American Covid’?
XFG, also known as Stratus, is the most common Covid variant in North America, which has led to it being dubbed “American Covid”, reports the Mirror.
The strain now accounts for more than half of positive Covid tests in the UK, according to the latest figures.
UKHSA’s Dr Alex Allen is a consultant epidemiologist, an expert in diseases spreading. said: “The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn’t something new.”
The new symptoms
Much like Covid, a blocked or runny nose, a headache, high temperature or shivering are all signs to look out for.
But hallmark symptoms of the new variant also include:
- A persistent, dry cough
- Fatigue or general tiredness
- A high temperature of 38C+
It may present with more than half a dozen other signs, the experts warned, ranging from a scratchy, sore throat to bouts of diarrhea.
UKHSA says Covid symptoms have changed over time, with many people now experiencing cold-like symptoms
The steps to take
Those who fear they may have contracted the virus have been advised to take measures to ensure they don’t spread it further.
Brits have been asked to avoid contact with other people for at least five days, with anyone younger than age 18 asked to wait at least three days.
Anyone who tests positive should avoid meeting with anyone who has a weakened immune system for at least 10 days after the day the results came back.
If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.
Could it cause another pandemic?
Experts said earlier this year that this particular strain shows that we now have to just ‘coexist’ with Covid, a lot like the common cold.
Health officials are urging eligible people to get their Covid and flu vaccines ahead of the winter months, when respiratory viruses can circulate at high levels.
Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK.
“We’re also not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before, and this year’s autumn vaccine has been specifically designed to protect against them.”