UK Health Officials Issue Covid Advice as XFG Cases Rise

UK health officials have urged people with Covid symptoms to stay home as cases rise across the country, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing advice on October 8 after the XFG variant became common and hospital admissions increased.

The UK Health Security Agency said XFG, also known as Stratus, is one of the most common variants circulating in the UK but is not a new strain. Officials said there is no evidence it causes more severe illness.

"If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as Covid-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible," said the UK Health Security Agency.

UKHSA monthly figures showed Covid cases reached 4,589 in September, up from 1,374 in August. The agency also recorded 4,939 hospital admissions in September, compared with 950 in August.

The September test positivity rate increased from 5.9% to 7%, according to UKHSA figures. More than half of positive cases were linked to the XFG variant.

Health officials said the rise was likely connected to colder weather, more indoor activity, and declining immunity from previous infections and vaccinations.

The NHS advised people who cannot stay home to wear a well-fitting face covering, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands regularly, and avoid touching their face.

Symptoms linked to Covid remain similar to earlier Omicron waves, including sore throat, cough, fever, hoarseness, tiredness, and other respiratory symptoms. The NHS said most symptomatic people do not need a lateral flow test.

The UKHSA said another variant, BA.3.2 or Cicada, is also being monitored by the World Health Organization. The WHO currently assesses its public health risk as low, with no evidence of increased severity, hospitalisation, or mortality.

The NHS is encouraging eligible groups to receive Covid vaccinations before winter. Eligibility includes people aged 75 and over, those with weakened immune systems, and people living in care homes for older adults.