UK Sees 48% Surge in Hospital Admissions Due to XFG Variant
The emergence of the XFG variant, dubbed the 'American Covid' strain, has led to a significant increase in hospital admissions across the UK.
COVID-19 positivity in UK hospitals has risen from 5.9% to 7%.
London reports a 79% increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19.
Health officials assert that the rise is not alarming as overall infection levels remain low.
The UK is experiencing a notable rise in COVID-19 hospital admissions attributed to the XFG variant, commonly referred to as the 'American Covid' strain. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the positivity rate for COVID-19 in hospital settings has increased from 5.9% to 7%. Additionally, the weekly admission rate has surged from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 individuals, marking an approximate 48% increase.
Among various regions, London has seen the most significant rise, with a staggering 79% increase in hospital admissions related to COVID-19. Particularly concerning is the increase among individuals aged 85 and older, where the admission rate has escalated from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000. Despite these increases, health officials maintain that there is no immediate cause for alarm, as overall infection levels remain relatively low and there is no evidence suggesting that the XFG variant leads to more severe illness.
Alex Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasized that while there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19 activity, the case numbers are still low in the UK. The UKHSA is actively monitoring data related to COVID-19 variants both domestically and internationally, and continues to share findings through regular surveillance reports. It is important to note that the actual number of infections may be underreported due to a significant decrease in testing compared to the peak pandemic years.
The XFG variant, which has been circulating for approximately a year, is a recombinant strain formed from two earlier Omicron subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The World Health Organization (WHO) documented the first known sample of the XFG variant on January 27, 2025, and classified it as a variant under monitoring in June 2025. Symptoms associated with XFG are similar to those of other recent COVID-19 variants, including sore throat, cough, fatigue, and fever.
In response to the rising cases, the UKHSA has initiated an autumn COVID-19 vaccination program aimed at providing protection against the XFG variant and its related strains. Vulnerable groups, particularly those aged 75 and above, are being encouraged to receive vaccinations to bolster their immunity against potential infections.
