A new COVID-19 variant, XFG, also known as 'Stratos', has led to a significant increase in hospitalizations in the UK. According to data from the UK's health authorities, the rate of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 rose from 0.81 to 1.20 cases per 100,000 people, a 50% increase within one week. The highest increase was recorded in London, with a 79% rise in hospitalizations.
The UK's health experts have noted that the current increase in hospitalizations is starting from a low level, and the situation does not resemble the major pandemic waves seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In England, hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 remained within the baseline level. A total of 7 deaths related to COVID-19 were recorded in the week ending August 28, compared to 6 deaths in the previous week.
The actual number of infections may be higher than officially reported, as the number of COVID-19 tests being conducted has decreased compared to during the pandemic years. The increase in hospitalizations is more pronounced among older adults, with the hospitalization rate for people over 85 years old rising from 7.08 to 12.43 cases per 100,000 people.
Genetic analysis has revealed that over half of the positive samples tested were linked to the XFG variant. The XFG variant is a recombinant strain, resulting from the combination of genetic material from two sub-lineages of the Omicron variant, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The World Health Organization (WHO) first detected the XFG variant on January 27, 2025, and classified it as a 'variant under monitoring' in June 2025.
The symptoms of COVID-19 associated with the XFG variant do not differ significantly from those of other variants. The severity of symptoms also varies from person to person. Reported symptoms among XFG-infected individuals include cough, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and eye or chest symptoms.
The WHO continues to monitor the XFG variant, which has been detected in several countries. The UK's health authorities are closely tracking the situation, as the increase in hospitalizations is a concern, particularly among older adults. The authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
As the situation continues to unfold, health experts are emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and research into the XFG variant. The development of new variants highlights the need for ongoing vaccination efforts and public health measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
Key points
- The XFG variant is a recombinant strain resulting from the combination of genetic material from two sub-lineages of the Omicron variant.
- The UK has seen a 50% rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in one week, with the highest increase recorded in London.
- The XFG variant has been detected in several countries and is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization.
