UK COVID-19 hospital admissions surge 50% amid XFG variant spread

Hospital admissions for COVID-19 in the United Kingdom have increased by nearly 50% in a single week, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The surge is driven by the XFG variant, also referred to as ‘Stratus’ or ‘American Covid,’ which is a recombinant variant formed from the mixing of Omicron subvariants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2.

London has experienced the most significant impact, with hospital admissions in the capital rising by approximately 79% in one week. Among adults aged 85 and older, admissions rose from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000 people. While the number of positive hospital tests has increased from 5.9% to 7%, health experts note that the current admission rate is still classified as a baseline level and does not reflect the severity seen during the height of the pandemic.

Medical professionals describe the XFG variant as having flu-like symptoms, including sore throats, headaches, runny noses, fatigue, cough, and fever. While many cases are expected to be mild, experts warn that the infection can be more difficult for some individuals. The World Health Organization has had XFG on its watch list since June 2025.