UK Covid cases and hospital admission rates increased in September, as UKHSA advises people with respiratory symptoms, including Covid, to stay at home if possible if they have a high temperature or feel too unwell
Health chiefs have called on individuals displaying Covid symptoms to remain at home as case numbers escalate across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that positive Covid tests increased to around 7% in September, while hospital admission rates saw a rise of roughly 50%.
Cases also surged by 35% in the final week of September, jumping from 477 cases to 1,857 confirmed positive tests. This comes as a newer strain, referred to as ‘ American Covid ‘, has become one of the most frequently reported variants nationwide.
The health body suggested that the recent surge in cases is likely tied to the onset of colder weather, leading people to spend more time indoors, and immunity from previous infections and vaccinations beginning to fade, reports the Manchester Evening News.
However, the UKHSA stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the circulating variants, including the so-called ‘American Covid’ strain, are causing more severe illness than earlier strains.
In a blog post published last week (October 8), the UKHSA advised those with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including Covid, to stay at home if possible, particularly if they have a high temperature or feel too unwell to work or carry out normal activities.
For those unable to stay at home, officials recommended wearing a well-fitted face covering, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated areas, and exercising outdoors where possible.
People are also encouraged to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their face.
What is ‘American Covid’?
The XFG variant, also dubbed Stratus, continues to be the most prevalent Covid strain currently in circulation, according to the UKHSA. Nevertheless, officials emphasised it is not a fresh strain and has been spreading in the UK and other nations for approximately a year.
The ‘Stratus’ strain was designated a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in June 2025 after it was initially detected in January of that year. According to the WHO, a “variant under monitoring” requires priority focus due to characteristics that may present an additional risk compared to other strains of the virus.
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The UKSHA stated another variant, BA. 3.2 – or the ‘Cicada’ variant – has also been designated a “variant under monitoring” by the WHO.
However, the global health organisation currently assesses the public health risk as low, with no evidence of increased severity, hospitalisation or mortality.
What are the symptoms of Covid?
- Covid symptoms can include:.
- A high temperature or chills.
- A new, continuous cough.
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling tired or exhausted.
- An aching body or a headache.
- A sore throat, blocked or runny nose.
- Loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick Diarrhoea.
Health officials emphasise that vaccination remains one of the primary methods to lower the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation from Covid.
The NHS is urging those who are eligible to take up the offer to safeguard themselves against serious illness this winter. Current eligibility includes individuals aged 75 and over, those with compromised immune systems, and residents of care homes for older adults.