A COVID-19 strain known as American Covid is gaining prominence in England as coronavirus activity increases and hospital admissions rise.
XFG (and Stratus) is one of the strains that has been circulating in the country. But health authorities say there is no evidence that it causes more serious illness than other COVID-19 variants.
As recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows, the proportion of positive COVID-19 tests among hospital patients has increased from 5.9% to 7%.
The hospital admission rate has also increased considerably, but total COVID-19 activity is still relatively low. London had the highest hospital admissions level with a rate around 79%.
What is ‘American Covid’
"American Covid" is an informal media nickname for the XFG family of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. It is not an official name for a new COVID-19 variant and does not mean that the virus necessarily originated in the United States.
XFG is a recombinant lineage related to earlier SARS-CoV-2 lineages LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. XFG is considered a Variant Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization. UK surveillance has found a number of XFG-related lineages in England.
What are the symptoms
XFG symptoms are largely similar to those of other recent COVID-19 variants. They can range from sore throat, cough, fever, tiredness, headache, congestion and muscle aches. Hoarseness or a runny nose can also result.
As these symptoms overlap with flu, colds and other respiratory infections, symptoms alone cannot confirm whether someone has XFG. Testing may be necessary where clinically appropriate.
Is the strain more severe
There is no evidence that XFG causes more severe disease compared to other variants currently circulating. UKHSA has previously said available data do not indicate that XFG or other commonly circulating variants lead to more severe illness.
However, the rise in hospital admissions does not mean that XFG is a more dangerous virus. Higher transmission and seasonal changes in respiratory infections can also affect hospital numbers.
Who is most at risk
Older people and those with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable to serious COVID-19 illness. In England, eligible groups have been encouraged to receive seasonal COVID-19 vaccination, particularly older people and those who are clinically fragile.
As soon as someone has severe or worsening symptoms, they need medical help if they have breathing problems, chest pain, confusion or other symptoms of serious illness.
For now, health officials continue to monitor XFG and other SARS CoV 2 lineages. Recent data show that although COVID-19 activity is rising in England, there is no evidence that the so-called “American Covid” strain is causing unusually severe disease.
