Covid hospital admissions rise as American Covid variant spreads

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 9 Oct, 08:43 · Archive

UK hospital admissions for Covid increased sharply in September as the XFG variant spreads.

Covid hospital admissions in England have risen sharply. Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows positive test rates rose to around 7 per cent in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 48 to 50 per cent over the same period. The Mirror reports 4,939 Covid hospital admissions in England in September, up from 950 in August, and 28 Covid deaths in England in the latest week.

The XFG variant, also known as 'American Covid' or Stratus, is the most common Covid strain currently circulating in the UK and across Europe and the United States. The UKHSA stressed the strain is not new and has been circulating in Britain for around a year. The nickname reflects where the variant was first sequenced and detected rather than necessarily where it originated.

The UKHSA said current data does not indicate the variants are causing more severe illness than other strains. Officials said hospitalisations are increasing in line with the overall rise in Covid circulation rather than climbing disproportionately, suggesting the figures reflect a general increase in Covid activity. The Mirror reports that symptoms remain broadly similar to previous variants, though some infected have reported hoarseness and a particularly painful sore throat.

The UKHSA has advised people with respiratory infection symptoms to avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. Where this is not possible, it recommends wearing a well-fitting face mask and practising hygiene measures. Dr Matthew Siggins of the University of Surrey told the Daily Express that masks can help reduce the risk in crowded indoor spaces but are not routinely required.

How it is being reported

• Call for everyone to get jab after American Covid sees 28 deaths in UK in a weekThousands have been hoispitalised as cases surge by more than a thirdThe Mirror · 9 Oct, 08:16
• Covid experts issue verdict on wearing a mask in the UK after horror outbreakEXCLUSIVE: The Express spoke to health experts about wearing masks amid the recent 'American Covid' outbreak.Daily Express · 8 Oct, 16:00
• Government issues new 'mask-up' rule for Brits as horror American Covid spreadsThe Government issued an urgent update.Daily Express · 8 Oct, 15:44
• UK Government issues major update as horror 'American Covid' spreads rapidlyThe Government has issued a significant statement.Daily Express · 8 Oct, 15:27

In this story: UK Health Security Agency · England · University of Surrey · Teesside University · Well Pharmacy

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem