Hospital admissions for Covid surge 420% in a month as 'American Covid' XFG strain sweeps the UK

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Covid hospital admissions in the UK jumped 420% between August and September, with 4,939 admissions recorded last month against 950 the previous month. The XFG variant, nicknamed 'American Covid' or Stratus, now accounts for more than half of all positive tests. Doctors are warning the strain is being mistaken for freshers' flu, potentially masking the true scale of the outbreak.

The UKHSA confirmed positive Covid test rates rose from 5.9% to 7% in September, with increases recorded consistently across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Health experts say XFG does not appear to cause more severe illness than other variants, with symptoms including cough, fever, fatigue and a notably sore, scratchy throat.

Experts say masks are not routinely required but advise well-fitting FFP2 masks in crowded indoor spaces, particularly for those around vulnerable people.