'American Covid' rising in UK - pharmacist shares 12 symptoms to watch for

'American Covid' rising in UK - pharmacist shares 12 symptoms to watch for XFG (Stratus) is the main strain currently affecting people in the UK, also known as American covid A pharmacist has shared the key symptoms of XFG Covid - the latest strain of the virus to dominate in the UK. XFG (Stratus) subvariant was first identified in January 2025 but went on to gain its nickname of "American Covid" after it spread rapidly in the USA last year. Latest figures from the UKHSA show that "Covid activity increased" but is still circulating at "low levels", while hospital admissions also increased. Latest figures show there were 950 Covid hospital admissions reported in England in August, but this increased to 4,939 in September. Most recent figures have also reported 28 Covid deaths in England in the latest week - up nine on the week before. XFG and its sub-lineages now account for almost half of sequenced samples in the latest UKHSA data. Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, says: "While COVID-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK." He stresses: "It’s completely normal for viruses to change over time. The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn’t something new. "We’re also not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before, and this year’s autumn vaccine has been specifically designed to protect against them. If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection." Covid-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It’s a respiratory illness that is spread through coughs, sneezes and close contact with people who have the virus or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson says while new variants this year, such as XFG, are starting to circulate, so far, there is little evidence to suggest that these cause different symptoms to other variants. Symptoms of covid including XFG Symptoms can vary from person to person and can be similar to those of a cold or flu. Some of the common symptoms of COVID-19 include: - High temperature or chills - New, continuous cough or coughing frequently - Loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste - Shortness of breath - Feeling tired or exhausted - Aching body - Headache - Sore throat - Blocked or runny nose - Loss of appetite - Diarrhoea - Feeling or being sick Claire says: "Most people with COVID-19 will feel better within a few weeks and there are steps you can take to help ease symptoms, like drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest. Pharmacy teams can also offer advice on managing cold and flu-like symptoms and may recommend over-the-counter remedies to help you feel more comfortable." COVID-19 vaccinations are available for those eligible free via the NHS. Alternatively they can be given privately for those who want to stay protected, including through Boots. Claire has also shared some guidance on how to understand the differences between colds, flu and Covid and ways to help relieve symptoms. How can I tell if my symptoms are due to a cold, flu or COVID-19? Claire explains: "Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Cold symptoms tend to be milder and come on gradually. People usually start to feel better within a week or two. "In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Common flu symptoms include a fever, aching muscles and chills. "The main symptoms of Covid are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, but people can also get other symptoms which are very similar to colds and flu.” How can I relieve cold symptoms? Claire advises: "Whilst there's no cure for a cold, there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms." She says these include: - Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables - Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever - Taking cough medicine may help, but it’s important to select a product that’s suitable for your symptoms - Using decongestant sprays or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose - Sucking medicated throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat She adds: "Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure you talk to your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team about which treatments will be most suitable for you." How are flu symptoms managed? The pharmacist said: "In most flu cases, there should be no need to visit your GP. As with a cold, the best way to recover is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water. "The same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of a cold are also considered to help relieve the symptoms of flu. Ask your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team for advice about medicines that may be suitable for you." How can I look after myself with Covid-19? Claire said: “Most people with COVID-19 will feel better within a few weeks and the same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of a cold are also considered to help relieve the symptoms of COVID-19." However she advised there are several measures you can take to help relieve COVID-19 symptoms specifically: - To help with persistent coughing, try sitting upright or lying on your side, rather than your back. Consider cough medicine to help provide some relief. - If you’re feeling breathless, try your best to relax and take slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth until the sensation eases. If you feel your breathlessness is getting worse, go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or call your GP surgery for medical advice. If you are really struggling with your breathing, call 999 or go to A&E. “If you think you may have COVID-19, have a high temperature and don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You can go back to normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.” What can be done to prevent cold, flu and COVID-19? The expert advises: "There’s no way to completely avoid the risk of catching a cold, flu or COVID-19. However, my top advice would be to practice good personal hygiene and regularly wash your hands, eat a balanced diet, keep hydrated, get plenty of sleep, manage your everyday stress levels and exercise regularly. "When you’re unwell, cough or sneeze into a tissue, bin it and wash your hands straight away with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have a tissue to hand, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. "Avoid sharing cups, cutlery and towels with others to help reduce the risk of spreading infection. Germs can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, so cleaning your home regularly can help stop the spread. If you’re on the move, alcohol hand gels can be useful, but it’s important to wash your hands frequently when you can. "Additionally, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to help keep yourself and others protected from these viruses this winter and I encourage you to get these jabs if you are eligible on the NHS."