Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson has shared the symptoms of XFG Covid to watch for – and how to tell if it’s covid, cold or flu
A pharmacist has explained the signs of XFG Covid – the strain of the virus currently dominant in the UK. The XFG (Stratus) subvariant was initially detected in January 2025 but was dubbed ” American Covid ” after spreading throughout the USA last year.
Recent data from the UKHSA reveals that “Covid activity increased” though remains at “low levels”, while hospital admissions have also risen. The latest statistics show there were 950 Covid hospital admissions recorded in England during August, which then jumped to 4,939 in September.
The most up-to-date figures have also documented 28 Covid deaths in England in the most recent week – representing a rise of nine compared to the previous week . XFG and its related sub-lineages now make up nearly half of all sequenced samples in the most recent UKHSA data.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, explains: “While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK.” He emphasises: “It’s completely normal for viruses to change over time. 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.
“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. 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.”
Covid-19is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, reports the Mirror. It’s a respiratory condition that spreads through coughs, sneezes and close contact with infected individuals, or by touching contaminated surfaces before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson explains that while fresh variants this year, including XFG, are beginning to emerge, there’s currently minimal evidence suggesting these produce different symptoms compared to other strains.
Symptoms of Covid including XFG
Symptoms can differ between individuals and may mirror those of a cold or flu. Some of the typical signs of Covid-19 include:
- High temperature or chills
- New, continuous cough or coughing frequently
- Loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Aching body
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling or being sick
Claire explains: “Most people with Covid-19 will feel better within a few weeks and there are steps you can take to help ease symptoms, like drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest. Pharmacy teams can also offer advice on managing cold and flu-like symptoms and may recommend over-the-counter remedies to help you feel more comfortable.”
Covid-19 jabs are available for those eligible free through the NHS. They can also be obtained privately for those wanting to maintain protection, including via Boots.
Claire has also shared advice on distinguishing between colds, flu and Covid and methods to help ease symptoms.
How can I tell if my symptoms are due to a cold, flu or Covid-19?
Claire explains: “Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Cold symptoms tend to be milder and come on gradually. People usually start to feel better within a week or two.
“In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Common flu symptoms include a fever, aching muscles and chills.
“The main symptoms of Covid are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, but people can also get other symptoms which are very similar to colds and flu.”
How can I relieve cold symptoms?
Claire recommends: “Whilst there’s no cure for a cold, there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms. “
She says these include:
- Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever
- Taking cough medicine may help, but it’s important to select a product that’s suitable for your symptoms
- Using decongestant sprays or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose
- Sucking medicated throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat
She continues: “Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure you talk to your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team about which treatments will be most suitable for you.”
How are flu symptoms managed?
The pharmacist explained: “In most flu cases, there should be no need to visit your GP. As with a cold, the best way to recover is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water.
“The same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of a cold are also considered to help relieve the symptoms of flu. Ask your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team for advice about medicines that may be suitable for you.”
How can I look after myself with Covid-19?
Claire explained: “Most people with Covid-19 will feel better within a few weeks and the same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of a cold are also considered to help relieve the symptoms of Covid-19.” She recommended several steps you can take to help ease Covid-19 symptoms specifically:
- To help with persistent coughing, try sitting upright or lying on your side, rather than your back. Consider cough medicine to help provide some relief.
- If you’re feeling breathless, try your best to relax and take slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth until the sensation eases. If you feel your breathlessness is getting worse, go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or call your GP surgery for medical advice. If you are really struggling with your breathing, call 999 or go to A&E.
“If you think you may have Covid-19, have a high temperature and don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You can go back to normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.”
What can be done to prevent cold, flu and Covid-19?
The expert recommends: “There’s no way to completely avoid the risk of catching a cold, flu or Covid-19. However, my top advice would be to practice good personal hygiene and regularly wash your hands, eat a balanced diet, keep hydrated, get plenty of sleep, manage your everyday stress levels and exercise regularly.
“When you’re unwell, cough or sneeze into a tissue, bin it and wash your hands straight away with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have a tissue to hand, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
“Avoid sharing cups, cutlery and towels with others to help reduce the risk of spreading infection. Germs can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, so cleaning your home regularly can help stop the spread. If you’re on the move, alcohol hand gels can be useful, but it’s important to wash your hands frequently when you can.
“Additionally, flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are the best way to help keep yourself and others protected from these viruses this winter and I encourage you to get these jabs if you are eligible on the NHS.”